Euphyllia Coral Care in the Marine Aquarium

A Hardy, Beautiful Coral for the Tropical Saltwater Aquarium

Aug 3, 2008

Torch coral, frogspaw and anchor coral are among the most popular corals in the marine aquarium hobby. Here's what you need to know about the genus Euphyllia.

Many of the most popular corals for both beginning and experienced marine aquarists belong to the family Caryophylliidae. Most notably, corals from the genus Euphyllia, which include frogspawn (E. divisa), torch coral (E. glabrescens) and hammer coral (E. Ancopra), are amongst the perennial favorites in the marine aquarium hobby.

Mostly Hardy Corals

Corals from the genus Euphyllia are, for the most part, hardy animals that—provided with the proper care—do quite well in the home aquarium. Nearly all Euphyllia species have relatively thin skeletons, fully retractable polyps, and long sweeper tentacles with powerful stinging cells. Euphyllia species are commonly available in shades of green, brown and pink. The tips of the tentacle sometimes have a contrasting color, and, unlike many corals, species identification is often easily accomplished by the average aquarist simply by observing the polyp shape.

Collection Damage

Despite their general hardiness, these corals are, unfortunately, frequently damaged during collection and shipping. Acquiring a damaged specimen is a frequent cause for lack of success, so be sure to carefully inspect any Euphyllia species you are considering by:

Also inspect for any signs of bacterial infection (e.g. brown jelly disease), and be on the lookout for filamentous algae growth taking over in any area affected by tissue recession.

Handling and Husbandry

When handling a Euphyllia species, keep it submerged whenever the polyps are extended and only handle it by its hard skeleton. Usually this coral will be attached to a piece of Styrofoam and floated upside down in the shipping bag. Acclimate as usual, but do make sure the polyps are fully retracted before carefully transferring the animal to your aquarium. As always, do not introduce any shipping water into your aquarium.

Long term success with Euphyllia specimens has a lot to do with proper placement in your aquarium. These corals are hardy and adaptable only if they are placed properly. In general, most Euphyllia species appreciate moderate lighting and medium to strong intermittent flow. In order to not photoshock your new coral, begin by placing new specimens near the bottom of the aquarium (especially under high intensity reef lighting), or use plastic screening to initially shade the coral.

Placement

Once light acclimated, you may have to experiment a bit in terms of optimal placement. These corals do not appreciate direct “laser beam” flow, which frequently leads to tissue recession, bacterial infection and death. Do provide plenty of flow for your Euphyllia specimen, but do it using “intelligent powerheads” produced, for example, by a SCWD or an Oceans Motions wavemaker.

When placing your Euphyllia specimen, beware that these are aggressive corals with long sweeper tentacles. Leave at least six inches on all sides of this coral.

Once you have found the ideal location, you may affix the specimen to your live rock using a two part epoxy or other aquarium-safe underwater bonding product.

Feeding

Target feed most Euphyllia species a couple times a week by offering small pieces of meaty seafood (e.g., raw table shrimp, scallop, etc.).

The copyright of the article Euphyllia Coral Care in the Marine Aquarium in Saltwater Fish is owned by Ret Talbot. Permission to republish Euphyllia Coral Care in the Marine Aquarium in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.