Aqua Cultured Cotton Candy Torch

Euphyllia torch coral is a stunning and popular type of coral in reef aquariums, renowned for its striking appearance and easy care. It is a member of the family Euphylliidae and is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region. Here's a detailed description of the coral and a care guide to help you maintain it in your aquarium:

Description

Euphyllia torch coral is named for its unique, torch-like tentacles that can reach several inches in length. These tentacles sway in the water, creating a "torch" effect, and they come in a variety of vibrant colors, including greens, yellows, purples, and pinks, with some species even exhibiting bi-colored patterns. The tentacles have a characteristic forked appearance, and the coral's central skeleton is usually a soft, branching structure.

There are a few common species of torch coral, such as:

• Euphyllia glabrescens (Green Torch Coral): Often the most common in the aquarium trade, known for its bright green tentacles.
• Euphyllia paradivisa (Gold Torch Coral): Has a yellow to golden hue, sometimes with a slight purple tint.
• Euphyllia divisa (Fimbriated or Wall Torch Coral): Known for its longer, more delicate tentacles and diverse colors.

Care Guide

1. Lighting

Euphyllia torch corals thrive in moderate to high lighting. They are photosynthetic and require good light to grow and maintain their vibrant colors. Use a T5, LED, or metal halide lighting system that provides a balanced spectrum of light (primarily blue to actinic light) for healthy coral growth.

• Ideal Light Levels: Around 150-250 PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) at the coral's location.
• Placement in Tank: Place the coral in the middle to upper part of the tank, where lighting is optimal. Avoid placing it directly under very intense lighting unless acclimated.

2. Water Flow

Torch corals enjoy moderate to strong water movement. The current helps to keep their tentacles extended and facilitates the exchange of nutrients. However, strong, direct flow should be avoided, as this can cause the tentacles to retract or be damaged.

• Ideal Water Flow: Moderate, random flow to prevent debris buildup on the coral’s surface.
• Flow Location: Position the coral where there is enough flow to keep its tentacles swaying gently but not too strong.

3. Temperature

Euphyllia torch corals prefer a stable temperature in the range of 76°F to 80°F (24-27°C). Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations, as this can stress the coral and lead to poor health.

4. Water Parameters

Torch corals are sensitive to water quality, so maintaining stable and optimal water conditions is crucial for their well-being. Key parameters to monitor include:

• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 SG (specific gravity).
• pH: 8.1-8.4.
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH.
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm.
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm.
• Nitrates: <10 ppm (ideally under 5 ppm).
• Phosphates: <0.03 ppm.

5. Feeding

While Euphyllia torch corals primarily rely on photosynthesis for energy, they will also benefit from occasional feeding of meaty foods. You can feed them:

• Small shrimp, zooplankton, or coral foods such as mysis shrimp or cyclopeeze.
• Target feeding with a turkey baster or pipette can help them get a good meal.

They may also benefit from amino acids and other supplements added to the water column for optimal health.

6. Tankmates

Torch corals are generally peaceful but can be aggressive toward nearby corals with long, stinging tentacles. They can extend their tentacles and sting corals placed too close by, so provide adequate space between the torch coral and other corals to avoid aggression.

• Compatible Tankmates: Peaceful fish such as clownfish, gobies, or wrasses, and other corals that can tolerate their stinging tentacles (e.g., soft corals, LPS corals with a more robust skeleton).
• Avoid: Aggressive corals like certain large polyp stony (LPS) corals or other torch varieties placed too close.

7. Acclimation

Torch corals are generally hardy but should be acclimated slowly to your tank's water parameters, particularly temperature, salinity, and light. This process helps reduce the shock of introducing a new coral.

• Acclimation Procedure: Use the drip acclimation method to ensure gradual adjustment to your tank conditions.

8. Growth and Fragging

Euphyllia torch corals grow slowly but steadily, often branching out over time. They can be fragged by cutting the coral’s skeleton carefully with a saw or bone cutters, ensuring the cut is made cleanly to avoid infection.

Common Problems

• Bleaching: Torch corals can bleach if exposed to excessive light or poor water quality. Ensure your lighting is appropriate and stable.
• Recession or Tissue Loss: This can occur if the coral is stressed due to poor water conditions, temperature fluctuations, or aggressive tankmates.
• Pests: Keep an eye out for coral pests like Aiptasia (stinging anemones) or flatworms, which can damage the coral.