Ultra Cyphastrea Frag - Cyphastrea sp.

Cyphastrea is a popular coral for its relatively fast growth and overall hardiness. Out of the eight classified species, most are encrusting or grow in boulder-like colonies with only one rare species that resembles a branching Acropora. The small mound-shaped corallite "eyes" are usually a difference color than the base of the colony and make for a striking and unique appearance.

Cyphastrea is a fairly adaptive coral. They can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions as long as they are given a chance to acclimate to the new lighting regime but colonies tend to have paler colors under high light and richer, deeper colors under moderate to low light. They will also extend feeding tentacles at night and can be target-fed with plankton, baby brine and other similar small foods. Colonies under lower light conditions will need to be fed more frequently than those under higher light. Moderate indirect flow is best to carry waste away and food to the colony.

Under ideal conditions, Cyphastrea can be very fast-growing and will encrust over its base. It is not considered an aggressive coral but may outcompete slow-growing or delicate neighbors. Since it is hardy and fast-growing, it is popular for home coral propagation and can be easily "fragged" by cutting the colony apart with a dremel or other sharp tool and mounting the new pieces on separate bases.