Catalaphyllia

Catalaphyllia, the elegance coral, is a showstopping sand-bed LPS with long, flowing tentacles tipped in vivid contrasting colours. The critical advice for Aussie reefers: always buy Australian-origin specimens. Indonesian elegance corals were historically plagued by a mysterious wasting syndrome, while Australian specimens from the waters around the GBR and surrounding regions are significantly hardier and fare far better in captivity. Place directly on the sand bed under moderate PAR (75–150 PAR) with gentle flow.

Maintain pristine, stable parameters: alkalinity 7.5–8.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, and temperature 25–26 °C. Catalaphyllia benefit from weekly target feeding with meaty foods like mysis or chopped prawn. The tentacles are sticky and can capture food readily. Avoid sudden parameter changes, as elegance corals can be sensitive to swings, particularly in alkalinity.

Catalaphyllia have potent stinging tentacles that will damage any coral they contact, so give them generous clearance — at least 15 cm in all directions. They cannot be fragged as they are solitary polyps. During Australian summers, ensure your temperature management is reliable, as these corals are among the first to show stress during heat events. When healthy and well-placed, an elegance coral is one of the most beautiful specimens in any reef tank.