Bicolor Trumpet Coral Care Guide

Bicolor Trumpet Coral (Caulastrea furcata var. 'Bicolor') is a LPS coral. Care covers 50-150 PAR, low flow, reef parameters and feeding; beginner level.

Overview

Bicolor Trumpet Coral (Caulastrea furcata var. 'Bicolor') is a LPS coral in the family Merulinidae. Caulastrea morph showing striped or bicolor green-and-cream radial pattern on each polyp.

Taxonomy

Family: Merulinidae
Genus: Caulastrea
Scientific name: Caulastrea furcata var. 'Bicolor'
Common synonyms: Bicolor Candy Cane

Habitat

In the wild, Caulastrea furcata var. 'Bicolor' 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 furcata var. 'Bicolor' 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.