Catalaphyllia jardinei, commonly known as the Elegant or Bubble Coral, is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral belonging to the family Euphyllidae. This coral is renowned for its impressive fleshy polyps that can extend dramatically, displaying vibrant colours ranging from greens and reds to purples, making it a captivating focal point in any marine aquarium.
Care Level: Moderate to advanced. This coral requires stable water parameters and attentive husbandry to thrive.
Lighting: Moderate to high lighting is recommended, ideally provided by LED or T5 aquarium lights. Avoid sudden changes in intensity to prevent stress.
Water Flow: Moderate, indirect water flow is optimal. Strong currents can damage the delicate polyps, while too little flow may lead to detritus accumulation.
Placement: Position Catalaphyllia jardinei on the substrate or lower rockwork where it has room to expand its polyps without touching neighbouring corals. Adequate spacing is essential to prevent aggression and tissue damage.
Diet: While photosynthetic, this coral benefits from supplemental feeding of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialised coral foods 1-2 times per week to promote growth and vibrancy.
Reef Compatibility: Yes, with adequate spacing. Catalaphyllia jardinei can extend sweeper tentacles and may sting nearby corals if placed too close.
Minimum Tank Size: 90 litres (approximately 24 gallons) or larger is recommended to maintain stable water conditions and provide sufficient space.
Origin: Indo-Pacific region.
Maximum Size: Colonies can reach up to 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter under optimal conditions.
Regular monitoring of water parameters such as calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and nitrates is essential to maintain coral health. Maintain stable temperatures between 24-27°C and salinity around 1.025 specific gravity.
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