Torch Coral care guide

Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 75-175, salinity 1.024-1.026.

Overview

The Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens) is a colonial LPS that forms branching skeletons crowned with long, flowing tentacles. Each tentacle ends in a contrasting brightly coloured tip, and modern designer morphs are among the most sought-after Euphylliidae in the trade.

Taxonomy

Family: Euphylliidae
Genus: Euphyllia
Scientific name: Euphyllia glabrescens
Common synonyms: Torch, Pom-Pom Coral

Habitat

Distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa through Southeast Asia to the central Pacific. Wild colonies are found on protected reef slopes and lagoonal walls at moderate depth.

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): 75-175 PAR
Flow: medium
Recommended tank age: 6 months
Growth rate: 0.2-0.5 cm/mo

Mount on rockwork in the middle of the tank at moderate light and gentle to medium flow. Maintain a minimum buffer of 10-15 cm from other corals because the tentacles can extend at night and sting neighbours.

Feeding

Photosynthetic through zooxanthellae but responds strongly to spot-feeding with meaty foods such as mysis, brine shrimp and reef-roids one to three times per week. Amino-acid supplementation supports tentacle extension and colour.

Compatibility

Aggressive — sweeper tentacles can damage non-Euphylliidae neighbours. Generally compatible with other Euphyllia species (Hammer, Frogspawn) provided they are placed close to one another to avoid territorial sweeping, but should be kept well away from other LPS and SPS.

Care notes

Stable parameters and consistent alkalinity (8-11 dKH) are essential. Avoid rapid swings in salinity, temperature or major elements. Some collectors quarantine new Euphyllia frags to screen for brown jelly disease.