Curvata Trumpet Care Guide
Curvata Trumpet (Caulastrea curvata) is a LPS coral. Care covers 50-150 PAR, low flow, reef parameters and feeding; beginner level.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Curvata Trumpet (Caulastrea curvata) is a LPS coral in the family Merulinidae. Curved-corallite Caulastrea, often metallic green with pink mouth. Forms compact bouquets.
Taxonomy
- Family: Merulinidae
- Genus: Caulastrea
- Scientific name: Caulastrea curvata
- Common synonyms: Curved Trumpet
Habitat
In the wild, Caulastrea curvata is reported from Indo-Pacific, where it occupies mid to lower reef slopes and lagoons (typically 5-30 m). The species adopts a branching growth form on hard substrate within zooxanthellate reef communities.
Tank requirements
- Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 380-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.05 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 10 ppm
- Minimum system age: 3 months
Placement and lighting
- PAR (placement zone): 50-150 PAR
- Water flow: low
Mount this LPS coral on the lower or mid rockwork or on the sand bed (for free-living forms) where light is moderate. Strong direct flow can damage the fleshy tissue; aim for indirect, varied movement.
Feeding
Caulastrea curvata hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and derives most of its energy through photosynthesis. Supplemental target feeding accelerates growth and supports colouration; commonly accepted items include mysis, reef-roids. Feed once or twice per week after lights-out, when polyps are extended.
Compatibility
This coral is passive toward neighbours. Reef-safe with most fish and invertebrates.
Care notes
Difficulty level: beginner. Reported skeletal growth in well-tuned reef tanks is approximately 0.3-0.6 cm/month. Propagation by fragmentation is straightforward for branching colonies — separate branches or polyps with a bone cutter, glue to plug, allow 1-2 weeks for healing. Maintain stable alkalinity (avoid swings above ±0.5 dKH per day) to preserve tissue health.
Caulastrea curvata Propagation Guide
Overview
Caulastraea curvata is a recognised species of trumpet coral in the family Merulinidae, named for its curved corallites and often forming compact bouquets, frequently metallic green with a pink mouth. Like other Caulastrea it grows as a phaceloid colony of separate corallite heads on stalk-like branches and is a hardy, beginner-friendly LPS that is easy to frag.
Reproductive Mode
Aquarium propagation is asexual by fragmentation. Branching corals like Caulastrea are the easiest LPS to frag because the heads sit on separate branches that only need to be separated from each other.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
- Locate the branch stalks within the compact bouquet of heads.
- Separate the branches with coral cutters, or use a band saw for a flatter edge.
- Cut into singles or doubles and shave the base flat so each frag stands upright.
- Glue each frag to a plug.
- Set frags in low flow and medium light to recover and bud new heads.
The curved, compact growth means heads can be tightly grouped, so plan cuts on the connecting skeleton to keep each frag whole.
Conditions for Propagation
Hold temperature around 24-26 degrees Celsius and pH 8.1-8.4 with stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. As a Caulastrea, it tolerates a wide PAR and flow range, so low to moderate flow and medium light suit fresh frags; light feeding aids recovery.
Sexual Reproduction
Sexual reproduction occurs on the reef and is not used in the hobby. The consulted sources do not document captive spawning, so propagation relies on fragmentation and natural budding of new corallites.
Common Challenges
Curvata is a passive, peaceful coral, so aggression is rarely a concern. The compact bouquet can place heads close together, so cut precisely on the bare branch to avoid damaging a neighbouring corallite, and keep fresh cuts clean to prevent infection.