Sun Coral Care Guide
Tubastraea is a non-photosynthetic large-polyp stony coral that must be regularly target-fed because it lacks zooxanthellae.
Overview
Sun coral (Tubastraea sp.) is a large-polyp stony coral of the family Dendrophylliidae, also called cup coral. Its polyps come in shades of yellow, orange and black. Unlike most shallow-water corals it is azooxanthellate and not photosynthetic, so it relies entirely on captured food rather than light.
Taxonomy
- Family: Dendrophylliidae
- Genus: Tubastraea
- Scientific name: Tubastraea sp.
Habitat
Tubastraea occurs in deeper or shaded waters where sunlight is not required, and it readily colonises artificial surfaces such as shipwrecks. T. coccinea has been recorded in the Caribbean since 1943 and has spread as an invasive species, reaching the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary by 2004. Colonies produce a hard skeleton but do not build reefs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Water flow: moderate
- Placement: shaded, low-light areas
Diet
Sun coral is heterotrophic and carnivorous. In the wild it extends long tentacles at night to catch passing zooplankton, and its large polyps can take relatively large prey. Because it has no zooxanthellae, in aquariums it must be target-fed regularly with meaty foods so that all polyps receive food.
Reef compatibility
Tubastraea is peaceful toward other corals but should be placed in a shaded spot with moderate flow and protected from coral-nipping fish. Its main demand is feeding: without frequent target-feeding, polyps decline. With dedicated care colonies can persist for years.