Torch Coral

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Torch Coral is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. It thrives in lagoonal reefs, reef slopes, and deeper reef zones, attaching to rocky substrates in moderate-light, moderate-flow environments.

Why Choose Torch Coral for Your Reef Tank?

• Stunning Flowing Tentacles – Adds natural movement and elegance to the tank.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands steadily in ideal conditions.
• Glows Under Actinic Lighting – Fluorescent tips enhance reef aesthetics.
• Pairs Well with Other Euphyllia – Can be grouped with Frogspawn and Hammer corals.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions ensures the best health and coloration for Torch Coral:

Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability and prevent nutrient imbalances.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers mid to lower areas of the tank, allowing room for tentacle extension.
• Substrate Considerations: Best attached to rockwork with stable footing, ensuring enough space for sweeper tentacle movement.

Lighting Requirements

Torch Coral thrives under moderate lighting, which helps maintain its vibrant coloration and tentacle movement.

• PAR Range: 100-200 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with a blue-spectrum emphasis.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper polyp extension and waste removal.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause tissue damage and stress.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup and enhance nutrient absorption.

Feeding and Nutrition

Torch Coral benefits from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, absorbing nutrients through its tentacles.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and amino acids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and polyp extension.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding at night when tentacles extend.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

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

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, expanding into multiple branching heads over time.
• Fragging Method: Use bone cutters or coral saws to carefully cut branches from the base for propagation.

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 or excessive flow.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually adjust the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as tentacles are delicate and prone to damage.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Use a turkey baster to blow off debris from 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 aggression from nearby corals.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Slow growth or tissue recession – Ensure stable water conditions and avoid placing near aggressive corals.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; move 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.