Lettuce Cactus care guide
Lettuce Cactus (Pavona cactus) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 150-250, salinity 1.025-1.026.
Overview
Pavona cactus is a foliose SPS that forms tightly twisted vertical leaves. The colony is commonly bright metallic green and is one of the faster-growing SPS, making it accessible to intermediate-level reefkeepers.
Taxonomy
- Family: Agariciidae
- Genus: Pavona
- Scientific name: Pavona cactus
- Common synonyms: Cactus Coral, Pavona Cactus
Habitat
Widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific. Wild colonies form dense leafy stands on protected slopes at moderate depth.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity (SG): 1.025-1.026
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 7.5-9
- Calcium: 420-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.05 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 10 ppm
Placement and lighting
- Lighting (PAR): 150-250 PAR
- Flow: medium-high
- Recommended tank age: 3 months
- Growth rate: 0.5-1 cm/mo
Mount on rockwork in the middle to upper aquarium with medium to high flow and medium-high light. Spacing is important because the foliose leaves grow outward and can shade nearby corals.
Feeding
Primarily photosynthetic. Amino-acid supplementation supports growth and colour; direct spot-feeding is generally not necessary.
Compatibility
Passive and non-stinging. Compatible with most reef corals provided there is adequate space. Reef-safe with shrimp and fish.
Care notes
Stable alkalinity, calcium and magnesium are essential for healthy SPS skeletal growth. Maintain low nutrients (nitrate below about 10 ppm, phosphate below 0.05 ppm) for vivid colour.