Branching (Cyphastrea Decadia)

Discussion in 'Coral of the Month' started by mikejrice, Mar 3, 2015.

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  1. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

    Joined:
    May 24, 2009
    Messages:
    5,926
    Location:
    Colorado
    Distribution: Southern Pacific
    Coloration: Seen in orange, yellow and blue
    Care level: Easy
    Lighting requirements: Cryptic to medium
    Flow: Moderate to high

    SG: 1.023-1.026.
    Calcium: 400-500.
    Alk: 8-12.
    Magnesium: 1350-1500.
    Temperature: 76-82
    Growth: Unknown

    Branching cyphastrea appears very similarly to encrusting types with corallites ranging from about two to three millimeters in diameter spaced out uniformly overly a contrasting smooth skin. Growth is formed much like an acropora with axial polyps leading branches toward a source of light. Star shaped polyps extend from within corallites to capture food.

    Cyphastrea decadia is still a ridiculously rare specimen to behold which I have to date only seen in the display of local fish store Aqua Imports. It is housed under full SPS lighting but at the bottom and under slight shade of a rock outcropping which leads me to believe that's its lighting requirements are very similar to that of encrusting species of cyphastrea. Flow is important to keep the skin free of detritus in all species although with tight branches more flow may be critical for decadia specimens.

    http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0129

    2015-03-02 17.51.08-2.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2015
    baugherb and zesty like this.