Sun Coral

Tubastrea sp.

Other Names: Cup Coral, Tubastrea

Origin: Bali, Jakarta, Hawaii

Description:
Sun corals can come in a variety of colors from Black, pink or to the most commonly sold Yellow-Orange variety. They are non-photosynthetic and require at least weekly feedings to maintain a healthy colony. Each of the polyps should be fed with either thawed brine shrimp or other meaty foods. They may accept small pellets as well. They will often remain closed during the day and open at night. They can be trained to open earlier during the day with regular feedings.

Thanks to Richard Ling for the above image.

Lighting Requirements:
Sun corals require no lighting, as they are non-photosynthetic. This is traded off by having a very voracious diet. You can place them in any lighting, though it is suggested to not place them in too intense of lighting where algae may grow on them.

Flow Requirements:
This coral requires very low flow so it can catch it's food.

Growth:
Sun corals can spread from a single polyp via budding but have also been known to release new polyps to grow around the tank. They can grow at a steady rate when fed regularly.

Difficulty:
Intermediate

Rarity:
Available by most retailers

User Images:

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Tubastrea sp. - Sun coral open.
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Closed sun coral.
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Sun coral closed up. Tubastrea sp.
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Tubastrea sp. Sun coral feeding a mixture of pelle...
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sun coral, polyps retracted.