Kingdom Animalia Phylum Cnidaria Order Scleractinia | Family Merulinidae Rank Genus Subclass Hexacorallia | |
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Similar Euphyllia, Sinularia, Cladiella, Capnella, Turbinaria | ||
Caulastraea is a genus of stony corals in the Merulinidae family. Species of Caulastraea are commonly found in the aquarium trade under the names candy cane coral or trumpet coral.
Contents
Care
Like many other related species, Caulastraea require moderate to strong lighting and current to thrive in the average reef aquarium. Caulastraea's light requirements are similar to those of related corals, preferring at least 3-4 watts per gallon of full-spectrum light. They also benefit from and fluoresce under actinic lighting (with a peak emission of 420nm). The required light can be provided by compact fluorescent, T-5 HO, T-12 VHO, or metal halide bulbs, depending on the setup. Caulastraea should be placed relatively high up or in the middle of the aquarium aquascape, with a moderately strong current and a few inches of room to grow. They should be kept away from other corals, as they will extend sweeper tentacles at night to attack neighboring rival corals. However, in the day, they will usually only extend their shorter, transparent feeding tentacles. When these are extended, it is acceptable to feed the polyps. Caulastraea can be target-fed with various seafood items or suitable coral food, chopped up or blended to ensure that it is a suitable size for the coral to eat. Caulastraea will also benefit from doses of cultured phytoplankton, copepods, mysid shrimp, or other small live foods.
Species
The following species are currently recognized:
