Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Brain Coral, Pineapple
Favites spp.



Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: All
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green, Orange, Tan, Yellow
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Faviidae
Polyp Size: LPS - Large Polyp Stony
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The Favites Corals are large polyp stony (LPS) corals often referred to as Moon, Pineapple, Brain, Closed Brain, Star, Worm, or Honeycomb Coral. They are the most common and prolific coral in the world, and are very similar to the genus Favia, sharing many of the same common names, and sometimes being very difficult to differentiate. Favites Corals are found in various color forms and polyp shapes. "Pineapple Coral" is the name commonly given to those that have smaller circular patterns.
The Favite Corals are aggressive, expanding their sweeper tentacles at night well beyond the base. It is important to leave space between them and neighbors in the reef aquarium. Maintenance for the Favite Corals is relatively easy, making them excellent choices for the beginner to expert hobbyist. They require moderate lighting combined with moderate water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements should be added to the water. It will also benefit from the addition of supplemental food in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp, fed twice per week in the evening while its tentacles are visible.

Favites Brain:(Favites sp.)AKA Favia, Honeycomb brain, Pineapple brain. Plump maroon rings circle glowing green centers. This aggressive coral demands at least 3” room in every direction as its sweeper tentacles can reach up to 6” if hungry enough. Sweeper tentacles do not appear while lights are on as this coral is a nocturnal feeder. This hard brain absolutely loves power compact lighting, will tolerate halide as well. Favites coral is available in MANY sizes. When mounted to a magfrag this coral can be placed FAR away from neighboring corals. $5 - $25 (1”-6”)

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