Modern Coral

Being hardy and colorful help the Modern Coral, Cynarina lacrymalis, be a popular as it is among aquarists. Also known as Doughnut, Meat, or Knob Coral, it inflates to a round coral of cushions from the thin walls of its calcareous frame. These walls are extremely thin, so care must be used in its placement. Often confused with Scolymia Brain Coral, the Modern Coral Skeleton resembles the Colored Fungia Stony Coral as its veined fins run outward from its center. It is less aggressive than the Colored Fungia and many other corals because of its lack of sweeper tentacles. For its protection, it must be placed an adequate distance from other corals as it can expend to twice its skeletal size. Placement should be in the lower portions of the aquarium. Lighting and water flow should be at medium levels. It will definitely benefit from occasional target feedings of plankton or brine shrimp, as well as foods designed for filter feeders such as Marine Snow or Phyto-Plex. Calcium and strontium will help ensure its continued health.

Approximate Arrival Size for Modern Coral: Small - 2" to 3", Medium - 3" to 4.5", Large - 4.5" to 6"