Pavona (Cactus Coral)

Common names: cactus coral, lettuce coral, potato chip coral

Difficulty Level: Pavona is one of the most forgiving SPS corals.

Feeding: Pavona has extremely small polyps and only the ability to capture the smallest items. Feeding is not usually needed in a well lit reef.

Lighting (Level 6 to 10): These corals easily adapt to all medium to high light conditions, and they do it relatively easily. Less acclimation is needed, but care should still be taken.

Water flow: Moderate to strong flow is needed to keep these corals clear of debris.

Placement: Pavona is a very peaceful coral and should be placed away from others with more aggressive tendencies. Keep in mind their unique growth forms when placing them.

General: These are slow growing but very unique corals. They are easily cut in to fragments, and their resistance to disease makes them a good choice for the first time SPS propagator.

Back to the coral guide.