Blood Orange Cyphastrea: The Vibrant Encrusting Gem

The Blood Orange Cyphastrea (Cyphastrea species) is a highly desirable and exceptionally hardy Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral that exhibits an encrusting or plating growth form. This specific strain is revered for its stunning, vivid coloration: a deep, saturated orange or crimson red base that often features contrasting bright red, orange, or sometimes blue polyps.

The Blood Orange Cyphastrea is a fantastic choice for adding color and texture to the shaded or vertical surfaces of reef rockwork, as it tends to encrust rapidly once settled. Its growth form is typically massive and encrusting. The brightness of the orange and red hues is maintained under moderate light intensity and stable, clean water conditions, making it an excellent focal point for the mid-to-lower sections of a reef tank.

This coral is considered Easy to Moderate in care. It is highly tolerant of varying flow conditions and is generally much less demanding than Acropora or high-end Montipora species, making it suitable for beginners looking to venture into SPS corals.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic but is also an opportunistic Carnivore. It relies on zooxanthellae for most of its energy but actively feeds at night.
• Feeding: Supplemental target feeding is highly beneficial for supporting growth and polyp extension. The polyps are large enough to consume fine particulate foods. Feed 2-3 times per week with fine foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders like Reef Roids and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Passive. Cyphastrea species are known for being non-aggressive and do not extend long, potent sweeper tentacles. However, as an SPS coral, direct contact with aggressive LPS corals (like Euphyllia or Chalices) should be avoided to prevent damage.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It can be placed almost anywhere, but it thrives best on mid-to-lower rockwork where it receives moderate light and moderate to low water flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with low to moderate nutrient levels (Nitrate < 10 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-10.0), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm). Demands Moderate PAR lighting (100-250 PAR).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cyphastrea sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Blood Orange Cyphastrea
• Other Common Names: Red Cyphastrea, Blood Cyphastrea, Red Planet Cyphastrea (not to be confused with the Acropora)
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can encrust indefinitely; small colonies grow 2-4 inches per year.
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, non-aggressive SPS option)
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate