Favia Brain - Watermelon

$39

10 mouths

Coral Connection, New Orleans, LA

Acropora - Lemon Lime

$69

2.5"

6 branches

Coral Connection, New Orleans, LA

Acropora mili - Blue

Magnificent Foxface
Siganus magnifica

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 7"
Color Form: Red, Tan, Yellow
Venomous: Venomous
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Sumatra
Family: Siganidae
Swim Level: Top to Middle
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The Magnificent Foxface, also known as the Magnificent Rabbitfish, Andaman Foxface, or the Red Fin Foxface, is a uniquely colored fish. The face is white with a distinctive black band. The body is half white and half dark brown to black and each fin is fringed with yellow or red. It is a very hardy fish, and is a great addition to the newly-established tank.
It may reside in a 70 gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The Magnificent Foxface may be housed with more aggressive fish. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
The Magnificent Foxface diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and undesirable species of algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.

Pipe Organ Coral
Tubipora musica

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Moderate to High
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: All
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Tan
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Origin: Fiji, Tonga
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The Pipe Organ Coral is a soft coral, but is often referred to as a hard coral because of its red calcareous skeleton. Its common names may also include Organ Pipe Coral, or Daisy Coral. When its polyps are open, it is often confused with the star polyps or clove polyps because of their similar appearance. These corals do have the advantage over the other similar looking soft corals in that they will not spread across the rocks and crowd out other species.
Its behavior is peaceful because it lacks sweeper tentacles, and is safe to place near other peaceful corals. It will require a moderate to high light level combined with a medium to strong water movement within the aquarium. It is fragile, however, so it should not be positioned in currents which could displace or damage it. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, iodine, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provides the majority of its nutritional requirements through photosynthesis. It can also be fed additional food such as phyto and zooplankton or baby brine shrimp.

Giant Green Polyp Duncan
Duncanopsammia axifuga

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Waterflow: Low
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green, Purple
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Aquacultured - Drs. Foster & Smith
Family: Dendrophylliidae
Polyp Size: LPS - Large Polyp Stony
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Previously uncommon to the United States, this beautiful coral specimen is now captive-grown in our Aquaculture Coral and Marine Life Facility. Colonies form via long, tubular corallites with stunning neon green oral discs. Boasts vibrant purple tentacles that retract when disturbed, but otherwise remain extended day and night. The brood stock for these frags were acquired from a few of the first imports of Australian corals shipped to the United Sates.
Native to the deeper waters of Western and Northern Australia and the South China Sea, this coral prefers to attach to solid objects in soft, sandy areas. Here, they readily propagate and often form a continuous mat of tentacles that conceal the overall shape of the underlying colony. In the home aquarium, place in low current areas with low to moderate light.
This coral is peaceful and does well with other non-aggressive corals and invertebrates, provided it has ample room to grow. Though they feed through photosynthesis via the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae that thrive on the colony, this coral also benefits from regular target feedings of meaty marine foods such as enriched mysis and brine shrimp.

Rose Stylophora Coral
Stylophora pistillata

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Lighting: Moderate to High
Waterflow: Strong
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Red
Supplements: Calcium
Origin: Aquacultured - Drs. Foster & Smith
Family: Pocilloporidae
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The Rose Stylophora Coral has rounded branches with blunt ends that differentiate it from other closely related SPS corals. This variety is bright pink in coloration. The parent colony of these coral frags was collected in Fiji at a depth of about 25-35 feet and then quarantined and given a health inspection before being propagated.
The Stylophora Coral can live in a variety of lighting conditions, ranging from power compacts, VHO, T-5's up to the more intense metal halides. Alter their position in the aquarium depending on the lighting. In an aquarium lit by metal halides, Stylophora Corals should be kept in a mid to low position, and under other lighting they should be kept in a mid to high position. To bring out the most intense coloration of this coral, we recommend metal halide lighting. For continued good health, they will require the addition of a two part calcium and buffer supplement in order to maintain a calcium level of 400-450 ppm and dKH of 8-12. They will benefit from the addition of zooplankton.

Purple Polyp Plating Montipora Coral
Montipora peltiformis

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Purple, Yellow
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Origin: Aquacultured - Drs. Foster & Smith
Family: Acroporidae
Polyp Size: SPS - Small Polyp Stony
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The Purple Polyp Plating Montipora is a beautiful encrusting coral. This color variety has a gold base with vivid purple polyps. The parent colony of these coral frags was collected in Solomon at a depth of about 25-35 feet and then quarantined and given a health inspection before being propagated.
Montipora Corals can live in a variety of lighting conditions, ranging from power compacts, VHO, T-5's up to the more intense metal halides. Alter their position in the aquarium depending on the lighting. In an aquarium lit by metal halides, Montipora Corals should be kept in a mid to low position, and under other lighting they should be kept in a mid to high position. To bring out the most intense coloration of this coral, we recommend metal halide lighting. For continued good health, they will require the addition of a two part calcium and buffer supplement in order to maintain a calcium level of 400-450 ppm and dKH of 8-12. They will benefit from the addition of zooplankton.

Fire Montipora Coral
Montipora nodosa

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Orange
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Aquacultured - Drs. Foster & Smith
Family: Acroporidae
Polyp Size: SPS - Small Polyp Stony
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The Fire Montipora Coral is a bright orange encrusting coral. The parent colony of these coral frags was originally collected in the Soloman Islands, was maintained in house for several years, and then quarantined and given a health inspection before being propagated.
Montipora Corals can live in a variety of lighting conditions, ranging from power compacts, VHO, T-5's up to the more intense metal halides. Alter their position in the aquarium depending on the lighting. In an aquarium lit by metal halides, Montipora Corals should be kept in a mid to low position, and under other lighting they should be kept in a mid to high position. To bring out the most intense coloration of this coral, we recommend metal halide lighting. For continued good health, they will require the addition of a two part calcium and buffer supplement in order to maintain a calcium level of 400-450 ppm and dKH of 8-12. They will benefit from the addition of zooplankton.

Cadmium Pocillopora Coral

Pocillopora damicornis

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Lighting: Moderate to High
Waterflow: Strong
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green, Yellow
Supplements: Calcium
Origin: Aquacultured - Drs. Foster & Smith
Family: Pocilloporidae
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The Pocillopora Coral growth form will vary depending on water flow. High flow will cause compact branches and low flow will create thin open branches. This variety is a yellowish green in coloration. The parent colony of these coral frags was collected in Fiji at a depth of about 25-35 feet and then quarantined and given a health inspection before being propagated.
The Pocillopora Coral can live in a variety of lighting conditions, ranging from power compacts, VHO, T-5's up to the more intense metal halides. Alter their position in the aquarium depending on the lighting. In an aquarium lit by metal halides, Pocillopora Corals should be kept in a mid to low position, and under other lighting they should be kept in a mid to high position. To bring out the most intense coloration of this coral, we recommend metal halide lighting. For continued good health, they will require the addition of a two part calcium and buffer supplement in order to maintain a calcium level of 400-450 ppm and dKH of 8-12. It will benefit from the addition of zooplankton.

Carnation Tree Coral, Blood Red
Stereonephthya sp.

Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Low
Waterflow: Medium to Strong
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Assorted
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Tonga
Family: Nephtheidae

The Carnation Tree Coral or Stereonepthya Carnation is one of the most beautiful and peaceful corals, and is also known as the Cauliflower Soft Coral, or Strawberry Soft Coral. There are over 250 different identified Stereonepthya species. It is found in a variety of flamboyant colors with red or orange being the most common. It is normally shipped while attached to a small piece of live rock or coral rubble.

It is extremely difficult to maintain in the reef aquarium, and should be housed in an established reef aquarium, by the more advanced marine aquarist. It requires low lighting combined with medium to strong water movement. It is necessary to have a constant current with an abundance of algal plankton. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of strontium, iodine, and other trace elements to the water.

It does not contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae. Therefore, its diet should include live, baby brine shrimp, micro-plankton, and other small foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates, in order to survive in the reef aquarium. These foods must be available almost constantly. Again, only expert aquarists should attempt to keep this coral.

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”)

Yellow Fiji Leather Coral
Sarcophyton elegans

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Moderate to High
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: All
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Yellow
Supplements: Iodine, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Fiji
Family: Alcyoniidae

The Yellow Fiji Leather Coral may be referred to as the Sarcophyton elegans Coral. It can be found in shades of yellow, and unlike other Sarcophyton corals, it does not grow an extended stalk. Instead, these corals grow close to the rockwork, and will develop beautiful ruffles around the edges.

It is a relatively peaceful coral but adequate space should be provided between itself and others in the reef aquarium. The Yellow Fiji Leather Coral requires medium to high lighting combined with moderate to strong water movement. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of strontium, iodine, and other trace elements to the water.

Culturing by the experienced hobbyist is often accomplished by cutting off a portion of the crown and attaching that piece to live rock or placing it in the sandy bottom of the reef aquarium.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provides the majority of its nutritional needs from the light driven process of photosynthesis. It will also benefit from additional food such as micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp, or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.

Blue Mushroom
Actinodiscus sp.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Low to Medium
Placement: All
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Blue, Purple
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Actinodiscidae/Discosomatidae

The Actinodiscus Mushrooms are also referred to as Mushroom Anemones and Disc Anemones. They were previously in a genus called Discosoma. These invertebrates display a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Some are solid colors, such as the blue specimen pictured above, whereas, others are striped or spotted. The taxonomy of the various species is in a state of flux, and will probably continue to change.

They are hardy and moderately easy to maintain, and under the right conditions, will multiply and spread very rapidly. In general, they need a medium light level, and should be placed lower in the tank if the light intensity is high. The Actinodiscus Mushrooms prefer a low to medium water flow within the aquarium, although different species may have different requirements. They are semi-aggressive and require adequate space between themselves and other corals and sessile invertebrates.

An Actinodiscus Mushrooom receives some of its nutritional requirements through the photosynthesis of the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae which it hosts. It also feeds on other nutrients and particulate matter and benefits from additional food in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp fed to each polyp of the colony.

Green Striped Mushroom
Actinodiscus sp.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Low to Medium
Placement: All
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green
Supplements: Calcium, Iodine, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Actinodiscidae/Discosomatidae

The Actinodiscus Mushrooms are also referred to as Mushroom Anemones and Disc Anemones. They were previously in a genus called Discosoma. These corals display a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Some are solid colors, whereas, others are striped or spotted. Striped varieties are usually green. The taxonomy of the various species is in a state of flux, and will probably continue to change.

They are hardy and relatively easy to maintain, and under the right conditions, will multiply and spread very rapidly. In general, they need a medium light level and a low to medium water flow within the aquarium, although different species may have different requirements. They are semi-aggressive and require adequate space between themselves and other corals and sessile invertebrates.

The diet, in addition to feeding on nutrients and particulate matter, the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within the coral also provide some of its nutritional requirements.

Green Hairy Mushroom
Rhodactis indosinensis

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Lighting: Moderate to High
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green, Purple, Tan
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Discosomatidae

The Rhodactis Hairy Mushroom is a member of the order Corallimorpharia and occurs in many colors including brown and tan, and the more colorful green. Like the name suggests, the surface of these mushrooms are covered with many hair-like tentacles, giving it a hairy appearance.
It is very easy to maintain in the reef aquarium, and a good choice for the beginner hobbyist. It is somewhat aggressive, however, and can harm sessile invertebrates and overgrow other inhabitants of the reef. It often grows in shallow water, so it prefers a medium to high light level combined with a medium water movement within the aquarium.

It reproduces by fission or laceration, and will do so in the home aquarium provided that water conditions are adequate, sometimes causing over-population. A small portion of the base or mouth will separate from the parent polyp and grow into a full sized mushroom within a few months.

The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provide some of its nutritional requirements, but it also eats plankton and some larger organisms.

Hammer / Anchor Coral, Branching
Euphyllia paranchora

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: Bottom
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green, Tan
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Solomon Islands
Family: Caryophylliidae
Polyp Size: LPS - Large Polyp Stony

The Hammer Coral, Branched is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral and often referred to as Euphyllia Hammer Coral or Anchor Coral. Its common names are derived from the appearance of its hammer-, or anchor-shaped tentacles. Its polyps are visible throughout the day and night and hide its skeletal base. It may be green, tan, or brown in color, with lime green or yellow tips on the ends of its tentacles that glow under actinic lighting. Some varieties may be branched which makes them look similar to a Torch Coral (E. glabrescens).

It is moderately difficult to maintain, but with proper water conditions in the aquarium, it will thrive. It will require moderate lighting combined with moderate water movement within the aquarium. At night, its sweeper tentacles can extend up to six inches in the reef aquarium, stinging other species of corals and animals. Allow plenty of room between it and other neighboring corals. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

It will benefit from additional food fed weekly in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp.

Tube Coral, Orange
Tubastrea aurea

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Low
Waterflow: Medium to Strong
Placement: Bottom
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Orange
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Eastern Asia, Fiji
Family: Dendrophylliidae
Polyp Size: LPS - Large Polyp Stony

The Tubastrea Orange Tube Coral is a large polyp stony coral, and may be referred to as the Orange Cup Coral. Its genus name, Tubastraea, is derived from the Latin words tubus (tube) and astron (star), describing its skeletal structure which is tubular, with stars at the tip of each tube. The center skeleton is round with the tubes branching off in all directions. It is a colonial coral with a peach-orange coloration when open; it is a more delicate color than its relative T. faulkneri which is bright orange. In the wild, it is often found on reef ledges or steep reef slopes.

The Orange Tube Coral can be quite fragile and must be handled with extra care. When placing in the aquarium, it must be picked up by its underside. It should have moderate to high water current combined with low lighting levels. It will also benefit from the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. It is a hardy coral for the reef aquarium, but is classified as moderate because of the special care that it requires.

It is one of the few corals that does not contain a symbiotic algae, so it must be fed vitamin-enriched brine shrimp or micro-plankton from an eye dropper directly to each one of its polyps. It will usually only expand its polyps in the evening or when it is hungry.

Elegance Coral
Catalaphyllia jardinei

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Low to Medium
Placement: Bottom
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green, Purple, Red, Yellow
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Australia, Eastern Asia
Family: Caryophylliidae
Polyp Size: LPS - Large Polyp Stony

The Catalaphyllia Elegance Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) often referred to as Elegant Coral, Wonder Coral, or Ridge Coral. It is truly the most unique and interesting stony coral known. Its polyps are extended during the day showing off its vast array of color-tipped tentacles. Under actinic lighting, the fluorescent qualities are beautiful with lime green, blue, orange, or purple-tipped tentacles which vary between branched or round and bulbous shapes. The most common color variety available to aquarists is gold with pink or purple-tipped polyps.

The Catalaphyllia Elegance Coral is moderate to maintain in the reef aquarium and makes an excellent choice for the beginner to expert hobbyist. Provide ample space in the aquarium between it and other neighboring corals as it will expand to twice its usual size during the day and will sting other corals in close proximity to it. It is best to place the skeleton of the coral into a soft substrate. The soft substrate is less likely to irritate the fleshy underside of the coral when compared to the rockwork. Clownfish may accept this coral as its host if no anemone is present. Use caution when handling, as it is very fragile and can also sting its handler.

Ideal reef aquarium conditions for the Elegance Coral should include moderate lighting with moderate water movement. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

It will benefit from additional food fed daily in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp.

Cup Coral, Turbinaria
Turbinaria reniformis

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium to Strong
Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green, Tan, Yellow
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Eastern Asia, Fiji
Family: Dendrophylliidae
Polyp Size: SPS - Small Polyp Stony

The Turbinaria Cup Coral is small polyp stony (SPS) coral. Other Turbinaria species may be referred to as Pagoda, Turban, Vase, Bowl, or Scroll Corals. The genus name, Turbinaria, is derived from the Greek word turbinatus (cone-shaped) because it usually grows in a conical or cup shape while living on the reef. It may also be found in the form of cups, ruffled ridges, plates, vases, or scrolls. Although the Turbinaria Corals may be bright yellow, green, brown, gray, or cream, the base of this Yellow Cup Coral is yellow, and it has yellow polyps. Depending on the conditions that it is exposed to, it can grow horizontally or vertically.

Turbinaria sp. vary in the amount of care they require. Those that are highly convoluted or have thin plates are the most difficult to care for. It is a peaceful reef inhabitant and does not bother other corals that are placed in close proximity to it. However, it should still be provided with ample space away from other corals because it does grow quickly. It will require moderate lighting combined with moderate water movement within the aquarium. For its continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

It will benefit from additional food in the form of brine shrimp or plankton.

Leaf Plate Montipora Coral
Montipora capricornis

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green, Orange, Purple, Red
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Acropoidae
Polyp Size: SPS - Small Polyp Stony

The Leaf Plate Montipora Coral is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral often referred to as a Vase Coral. Montipora Corals come in a vast variety of forms and colors. M. capricornis is shaped like a vase; M. digitata is generally a branching species; M. stellata has rough, irregular, upright plates. Other species are encrusting. This form of Montipora is plating and will add diversity to your reef aquarium.

The Leaf Plate Montipora Coral is peaceful and can be placed in close proximity to other similar peaceful corals in the reef aquarium. It is moderately difficult to maintain and should be housed in a mature reef aquarium. It will require medium lighting combined with a medium water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

They will thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, ranging from power compacts, VHO, T-5’s up to the more intense metal halides. Alter their position in the aquarium depending on the lighting, and provide at least 3 watts per gallon using one of the lighting systems mentioned above.
It will also benefit from additional food fed weekly in the form of micro-plankton or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.

Vlamingii Tang
Naso vlamingii

Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12
Max. Size: 2'
Color Form: Black, Blue, Purple, Tan
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Solomon Islands
Family: Acanthuridae
Reproduction: Group Spawner
Swim Level: All

The Vlamingii Tang, also known as the Vlaming's Unicornfish, or Bignose Unicornfish, has a brown to purple body color when an adult. In the juvenile, The color graduates from lighter, dorsaly, to darker, ventrally. It has vertical markings on the body and blue highlights. The dorsal fin, anal fin, tail, and face are all sparingly detailed in a brilliant bright blue.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room and places to hide. The aquarium should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent the fish from jumping out to escape. It is aggressive toward other Tangs, but peaceful with other fish, and will not harm sessile invertebrates within the reef aquarium.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use. Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 6"; Medium/Large: 6" to 8" Large: 8" to 10"

Brain Coral, Lobophyllia
Lobophyllia hemprichii

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Lighting: Moderate to High
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: All
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12
Color Form: Black, Green, Orange, Red, Tan
Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Origin: Eastern Asia, Fiji
Family: Mussidae
Polyp Size: LPS - Large Polyp Stony

The Lobophyllia Brain Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral often referred to as a Lobed, Colored, Carpet, Flat, or Open Brain Coral, Meat Coral, Modern Coral, or Large Flower Coral. It has fleshy polyps that hide its calcareous skeleton. It is found in a variety of textures and color forms. Some are smooth, while others are pimply, and look like carpet. Colors vary from bright red, green, orange, gray, tan, or brown.

Its behavior is semi-aggressive and it will sting other corals with its extended sweeper tentacles during the night. Provide plenty of space between it and other neighboring corals. It is easy to maintain in the reef aquarium, making it an excellent candidate for the beginning through expert reef aquarist. It requires moderate to strong lighting combined with a moderate water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provides the majority of its nutritional requirements through photosynthesis. It will also benefit from additional food in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp fed in the evening when its tentacles are visible.

Acan Lord
Acanthastrea lordhewensis

Type: Large Polyp Stony
Family: Mussidae
Origin: Indo Pacific

Aquarium Needs:
Lighting: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis are a hermatypic/photosynthetic coral. They require moderate to high lighting. Power compact lighting may be used but ideally T-5 & Metal Halide fixtures will prove more beneficial.

Water Quality: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis are more tolerant of changes water quality making them an excellent coral for beginners. Though they are more tolerant, a stable environment is obviously better for the prolonged health & well being of these creatures. Due to the heavy feeding requirements, a strong protein skimmer is recommended. Activated carbon as well as items such as ozone generators can help as well.

Current: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis require medium to strong water movement. Excessive flow on the animal can cause polyp retraction or in worst-case polyp bailout (polyps actually detach from their skeleton).

Temperature: 74 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit

Temperament: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis are a more aggressive species. They may be kept close to other Acanthastrea Lordhowensis, but give plenty of room to other corals.

Supplemental Feeding: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis will readily accept feedings of minced meaty foods such as shrimp, mysis and squid. Though not regularly required, these feeding will also help growth. These animals also seem to react better to higher levels of magnesium 1250-1350ppm. Please test prior to the addition of any chemicals.

Frag Difficulty: The propagation of Acanthastrea Lordhowensis is very easy. They simply love to be cut. Wet tile saws, band saws and dremel tools may be used to make appropriate cuts. Simple agitation of the coral will cause the polyps to retract. At this point you may cut out the desired amount of polyps. The only concern is that depending on the cut, you don’t go to shallow and actually cut into the corallites. Once the frag is made, it can be left as is in the sand bed where it will grow its own calcium skeleton or affixed to a piece of live rock where it will encrust over the rock. The preferred and more desirable method due to accelerated growth is to attach the frag to live rock and let it encrust over.

Sailfin Tang, Desjardini
Zebrasoma desjardini

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12
Max. Size: 1' 4"
Color Form: Black, Blue, White, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Maldives, Red Sea, Sri Lanka
Family: Acanthuridae

The Desjardini Sailfin Tang, also known as the Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang, Desjardin's Sailfin Tang, or Red Sea Sailfin Tang, is dark to very light gray in color with light freckles on the nose and yellow freckles on the abdomen. The body has several, varying sized vertical yellow stripes with intricate markings between the stripes at the face. It has a blue tail with white freckles. Its appearance can practically double in size at will by raising or lowering its sizable dorsal and anal fins.

A 125 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards its own species and conspecifics at times, but peaceful towards other fish, so keep only one except in a very large tank. It eats filamentous algae.

Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.

Please Note: The Small Juvenile form of the Desjardini Tang may not have spots on the fins or body and are very similar in appearance to a Sailfin Tang. However with age, the spots will develop as well as the bold striping on their fins and body.

Star Polyp
Briareum sp.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Moderate to High
Waterflow: Medium to Strong
Placement: Middle to Top
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Color Form: Green, Tan, White
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Origin: Central Pacific, Eastern Asia, South Asia
Family: Briareidae


The Starburst Polyps are also referred to as Star, Eight Tentacle, Mat, or Daisy Polyps. They are usually white or brown with a white dot in the center of each polyp, although, some more rare Starburst Polyps are green. The green specimens have been called Clavularia viridis; however, they are now identified as a Briareium sp. They have the distinctive eight-leaved tentacles on each polyp. They are colonial animals with several individual polyps attached to a piece of live rock.

Accurately described as an encrusting coral, Starburst Polyps rapidly grow over adjacent rock work, coral, or even the glass of an established reef aquarium. They are a peaceful coral armed with the defensive capability of being able to retract or deflate each of their polyps in response to predation. They will not harm other corals that are placed close to their colony, but are susceptible to being damaged by any aggressive corals in the reef aquarium. They are easy to maintain in the reef aquarium and make an excellent candidate for the beginning through expert reef aquarist. They require a medium to high light level combined with a medium to strong water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, they will also require the addition of iodine and other trace elements to the water.

The experienced hobbyist cultures the colony by taking a cutting from their encrusting base. The cutting is then glued to a hard substrate such as a rock or dead coral head.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within their bodies provide the majority of their nutritional requirements through photosynthesis. They also benefit from weekly feedings of micro-plankton or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.