A gorgeous large polyp stony coral that is unfortunately difficult to keep. Hopefully the newer specimens from Australia will be more hardy.

Indo-Pacific - Islands of the Indopacific including Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Medium to high lighting would serve this species well. Catalaphyllia can be kept under high output fluorescent bulbs, but may benefit from more intense lighting. It will likely change its coloration depending on the lighting provided. Catalaphyllia may require a longer acclimation period to intense lighting such as metal halides.

We recommend keeping the coral in a relatively low flow area of the reef display. Too much flow could cause this particular species to become stressed and not extend fully.

Like most coral, Catalaphyllia rely to a large extent on the products of their zooxanthellae, however, in our experience, they also benefit from direct feeding. There are a variety of frozen fish foods available that make outstanding meals for Catalaphyllia. We like to feed a mixture of meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA). The size of the food must be small enough that the polyp can fully ingest it.

Catalaphyllia are some of the most beautiful corals available to this hobby. I have met reef keepers that decided to enter this hobby to own this coral alone. Catalaphyllia 's color has an iridescent quality and its tentacles sway gently in the water column. Several years ago, this coral was an ideal beginner's coral. It required moderate but affordable lighting, readily accepted feeding, and was hardy beyond compare. I remember a particular Catalaphyllia I owned that accidentally got caught in the suction of a powerhead. The very next day it was fully extended and looked no worse for wear. For whatever reason, Catalaphyllia that are being imported today are just the opposite. They are extremely sensitive, and are susceptible to infection. It is as though what is being harvested today is a completely different animal. It is for this reason that Tidal Gardens does not recommend purchasing a Catalaphyllia. Their track record for success in the last few years has been dismal.

This genus either has never been propagated or is propagated so seldom the occurrences are statistically insignificant. This may be as a result of a number of factors such as growth rate and susceptibility to infection. We feel at this time, Catalaphyllia is not a good candidate for aquaculture.

Elegance Coral from Tidal Gardens on Vimeo.