Elegance Coral

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Elegance Corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in muddy or sandy lagoon floors and sheltered reef environments, where they receive gentle water flow and moderate lighting. Unlike many LPS corals, they are often found partially buried in the substrate, expanding their tentacles to catch passing food.

Why Choose Elegance Coral for Your Reef Tank?

• Stunning Anemone-Like Appearance – Long tentacles create a dynamic reef display.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands steadily under proper conditions.
• Can Be Hand-Fed – Readily accepts direct feeding for faster growth.
• Strong Stinging Ability – Helps deter aggressive neighbors in a mixed reef.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions is essential for Elegance Coral’s health and longevity:

Regular water testing and weekly water changes (10-15%) help prevent stress-related issues.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers low to mid-level areas on soft sand or rubble substrate.
• Substrate Considerations: Avoid placing on sharp rocks, as its fleshy base is delicate.

Lighting Requirements

Elegance Coral thrives under moderate lighting, which enhances its color while preventing bleaching.

• PAR Range: 100-200 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with a mix of white and blue spectrum.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity changes to reduce stress.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Low to moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper tentacle extension.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause tissue recession or detachment.
• Randomized flow patterns help mimic its natural lagoonal habitat.

Feeding and Nutrition

Elegance Coral benefits from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, requiring occasional meaty meals.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, chopped fish, and reef roids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and polyp extension.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding using a pipette or turkey baster.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other LPS corals—Elegance Coral has strong sweeper tentacles that can sting neighbors.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at its tentacles.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, expanding as it absorbs nutrients.
• Fragging Method: Not commonly fragged due to its sensitive, single-polyp structure.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease – A bacterial infection requiring iodine dips and improved water quality.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by unstable parameters, excessive flow, or injuries.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can suffocate the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is highly recommended to gradually introduce the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as its fleshy structure is prone to injury.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or retracted tentacles – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or aggressive tank mates.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Receding tissue or damage – Ensure stable water conditions and avoid sharp surfaces.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; relocate to a lower-light area.
• Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.