Tubastrea

From ReefPedia

Introduction

Tubastrea, AKA Sun Corals, are undoubtedly gorgeous animals. They come in some rather unusual colors for corals- namely, yellow, orange and black. However, there is a price to pay along with these vivid colors. Tubastrea sp. do not contain the zoxanthellae algae that make corals photosynthetic. Therefore, feeding becomes a chore with this coral, and water quality may very well become an issue.

Common Names

Sun Coral, Sun Polyps

Scientific Names

Tubastrea spp.

Hardiness

Difficult. If fed properly (i.e., daily), this coral can be quite hardy indeed. However, over time, regular daily feedings will become an issue for all but the most dedicated aquarist. If each individual polyp does not receive regular feeding, that polyp will wither and die.

Flow

Low-Medium

Lighting

While this coral is not photosynthetic and grows in darker areas in the wild this does not have to be the case in captivity. The coral will live happily in both light and dark areas. Keep in mind that since this coral natually lives in darker areas of the reef it may have trouble compeating with algae growing on any exposed skeleton. As always slowly aclimate the coral to any inceases in lighting.

Placement

Substrate or low rock placement. When choosing where to place this coral keep in mind you will be feeding it everyday or two. Mounting it on the ceiling of a cave in you tank may replicate how it is found in nature but it will make feeding troublesome.

Feeding

Absolutely critical to the survival of Tubastrea. Must be regular, with meaty foods, and attention must be paid to every single polyp.

Try feeding your sun corals an hour after lights out with a syringe and direct feed...this also stops some of the fish from stealing the food. Mix a variety of foods including brine shrimp, phytoplankton and marine cuisine.

Thievery from fish and shrimp is a big issue when feeding these corals. Try making a "hat" for the coral by cutting the bottom off of a 2-liter bottle. Place the open end of the bottle over the coral and insert the food through the small hole.

Another feeding issue is getting the coral to open at all. Many wild-collected colonies will refuse to open during the first weeks in captivity. The aquarist must make all attempts to get them to feed by adding the "scent" of food into ther water column after the lights go out. Using the water left over after thawing frozen foods works well (but is loaded with Phosphates).

Propagation

Dremel/power tools.

This coral reproduces asexually through the budding of new polyps which will come from extensions of the massive skeleton.

Aggression

Low

Availability

Commonly available

Other Issues

Sun Corals will respond to "training" to open up with the lights on by feeding them soon after the lights are out. In time, they will begin to open up with the lights on in anticipation of the feeding. At this time, the aquarist should begin feeding the coral with the lights on.