Sun Polyp Coral: Orange/Yellow

Orange/Yellow Sun Polyp, Tubastraea faulkneri, adds brilliance to the shadows of a well-lit aquarium or acts as a showpiece to an aquarium of moderate lighting. This moderate-care level coral is great for reef keepers beginning to maintain Stony Corals. Frequently thought of as a true Polyp Coral, Sun Polyp is a Large Polyp Stony Coral member because of the calcareous (calcium-based) skeleton at its core. Each cluster contains a number of sweeper tentacles that are only visible when the coral is “hungry.” Actinic spectrum lighting will accentuate these colors. Requiring moderate lighting and a moderate water flow, it is a fairly benign coral whose sweeper tentacles typically do not reach other corals. The best placement is in shadows for lower-lit aquariums and under ledges for aquariums with extensive lighting. Each Polyp should be fed individually with a product such as Kent PhytoPlex, Two Little Fishes PhytoPlan, or Two Little Fishes Marine Snow (see Related Products at right.) For the aquarist willing to invest a little extra time, this coral can be a true eye-catcher.

Approximate Sizes: Small - 2" to 3", Medium - 3" to 4.5", Large - 4.5" to 6"