Elegance Coral Care Guide
Catalaphyllia jardinei is a large-polyp stony coral with long flowing tentacles; it lives on sandy bottoms in current-exposed reefs and is sensitive in captivity.
Overview
Catalaphyllia jardinei is a large-polyp stony (LPS) coral and the only species in its genus, first described by William Saville-Kent in 1893 as Pectinia jardinei. It develops very large, visible polyps on a branching corallite skeleton, with unusually long tendrils and a large, fleshy oral disc. Colours include fluorescent green, lime green and brown, and its behaviour resembles that of a sea anemone.
Taxonomy
- Family: Euphylliidae
- Genus: Catalaphyllia
- Scientific name: Catalaphyllia jardinei
- Common names: elegance coral, elegant coral
Habitat
The species ranges through the western and central Pacific Ocean, occasionally into the eastern Indian Ocean, extending north to Japan and south to northern Australia. It inhabits shallow and mid-water reef sections, prefers water that is strongly agitated or exposed to significant currents, and is commonly seated in sandy areas rather than directly on rocks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Lighting: moderate
- Water flow: low to moderate
- Placement: on the sand bed with ample spacing from neighbours
Diet
The coral is photosynthetic through zooxanthellae and possesses a mouth to ingest food particles gathered by its tendrils. Captive specimens benefit from periodic target feeding with meaty marine foods.
Reef compatibility
The long, extended tentacles can sting neighbouring corals, so the coral needs plenty of space. It reproduces sexually and asexually by budding new branches that drop off to form satellite colonies. Aquacultured specimens generally fare better than wild-collected ones, and clownfish may host within it.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Recorded threats include climate-change effects such as bleaching and severe storms, and overexploitation for the aquarium trade.