What is Elegance Coral?

Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei) is a large-polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its long, flowing tentacles and striking fluorescent colors.

What lighting is best for Elegance Coral?

Low to moderate lighting (50-150 PAR). It prefers indirect or shaded areas and can bleach under intense direct light.

Does Elegance Coral need to be fed?

Yes, regular target feeding 2-3 times per week with meaty foods like mysis shrimp or reef roids greatly improves growth and color.

Where should I place Elegance Coral?

Best on the sandbed or lower rockwork where its long tentacles can expand safely without strong direct flow.

Coral Care Info Elegance

Elegance Coral Care Guide

Care Requirements of Elegance Coral in Home Reef Aquariums

Elegance coral care is moderately easy, making this stunning LPS coral a popular centerpiece in reef aquariums. Also known as Catalaphyllia jardinei, Elegance corals are prized for their long flowing tentacles, vibrant coloration, and dramatic movement. With stable water parameters, proper placement, and gentle flow, they can thrive and become one of the most eye-catching corals in your tank.

Care Requirements

Lighting (PAR Range)

Low to Moderate lighting
Ideal PAR: 50–150
Too much light can cause bleaching or tissue recession

Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow
Avoid strong direct flow that can damage tissue

Placement

Best placed on the sand bed
Keep away from sharp rockwork to prevent tissue damage

Aggression

Semi-aggressive coral
Can sting nearby corals with long sweeper tentacles
Provide adequate spacing from other corals

Growth Rate

Moderate growth
Expands significantly in size over time

Feeding

Elegance corals benefit from regular feeding in addition to photosynthesis. Target feeding can improve growth, coloration, and overall health.

Feed 1–2 times per week
Accepts mysis shrimp, reef roids, and small meaty foods
Turn off flow briefly during feeding for best results

Tank Compatibility

Elegance corals are best suited for peaceful reef environments with stable water quality and careful placement.

Ideal for mixed reefs and LPS corals
Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates
Avoid aggressive tank mates that may nip at tentacles
Provide space from other corals

Common Problems

Tissue recession from excessive light or poor placement
Damage from strong water flow
Brown jelly infections in unstable conditions
Stress from poor water quality or sudden parameter swings

Tips for Success

Maintain stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels
Keep nutrients balanced
Place on sand to avoid tissue damage
Acclimate slowly to lighting changes
Feed consistently for best expansion and color

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elegance Coral Beginner Friendly?
Elegance corals are moderately easy to keep and can do well for hobbyists with stable reef tanks.

Why Is My Elegance Coral Not Opening?
This is usually caused by stress from lighting, flow, unstable water parameters, or recent changes in placement.

Can Elegance Coral Sting Other Corals?
Yes, Elegance corals can extend long sweeper tentacles and should be given plenty of space.

Should Elegance Coral Be Placed On Sand?
Yes, Elegance corals generally do best on the sand bed where their tissue is protected from sharp rockwork.

Browse our new coral arrivals, explore premium coral colonies, or check out Scott’s handpicked corals. You can also learn more about our systems at The Extreme Facility or read updates on our reefing blog.

About the Author

Scott Shiles is the owner of ExtremeCorals.com, which he has operated for over 25 years and is recognized as one of the early dedicated live coral websites on the internet. A lifelong reef keeper since 1984, Scott has decades of hands-on experience maintaining marine aquariums and previously owned and operated a brick and mortar aquarium retail store for 10 years, including five years alongside Extreme Corals. He holds a degree in Marine Biology and has personally selected and sold hundreds of thousands of live corals. An avid scuba diver who has explored reef systems around the world, Scott shares practical coral care and husbandry knowledge based on real world reef experience.