Razor Coral care guide
Razor Coral (Cycloseris cyclolites) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 50-150, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Overview
Cycloseris cyclolites is a small free-living disc coral with thin, razor-like radial septa. Bright neon green and orange morphs are popular in nano reef tanks where the small footprint suits the limited sandbed.
Taxonomy
- Family: Fungiidae
- Genus: Cycloseris
- Scientific name: Cycloseris cyclolites
- Common synonyms: Cycloseris, Disc Coral
Habitat
Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific. Wild colonies rest on soft-sediment lagoonal bottoms at moderate depth, where filtered light and gentle flow prevail.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity (SG): 1.024-1.026
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.03 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 5 ppm
Placement and lighting
- Lighting (PAR): 50-150 PAR
- Flow: low
- Recommended tank age: 3 months
- Growth rate: 0.1-0.3 cm/mo
Place directly on the sandbed in the lower aquarium with low flow and moderate light. The coral can move slightly under its own inflation; this is normal behaviour.
Feeding
Photosynthetic with periodic benefit from spot-feeding. Mysis or reef-roids weekly is sufficient for steady growth.
Compatibility
Passive and non-stinging. Compatible with most other corals in a mixed reef. Reef-safe with shrimp and fish.
Care notes
Periodic gentle blowing with a turkey baster clears any sand grains that have settled on the upper tissue. Stable parameters preserve the vivid colour.