Elegance Coral

The Cataphyllia Elegance Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral, often referred to as Elegant Coral, Wonder Coral, or Ridge Coral. It is truly the most unique and interesting stony coral known. Its polyps are extended during the day showing off its vast array of color-tipped tentacles. Under actinic lighting, the fluorescent qualities are beautiful with lime green, blue, orange, or purple-tipped tentacles which vary between branched or round and bulbous shapes. The most common color variety available to aquarists is gold with pink or purple-tipped polyps.

The Cataphyllia Elegance Coral is easy to maintain in the reef aquarium and makes an excellent choice for the beginner to expert hobbyist. Provide ample space in the aquarium between it and other neighboring corals as it will expand to twice its usual size during the day and will sting other corals in close proximity to it. Clownfish will play among its polyps if no anemone can be found. Use caution when handling, as it is very fragile and can also sting its handler.

Cataphyllia sp.

Quick Stats: Elegance Coral

Family: Caryophylliidae
Polyp Size: LPS - Large polyp stony
Range: Indo-Pacific, Southern Japan
Color Form: Green, Gold, Pink, Yellow
Ideal Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace elements
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Water Flow: Low to Medium
Light: Medium
Dominance: Aggressive
Placement: Low
Care Level: Moderate




Ideal reef aquarium conditions for the Elegance Coral should include a medium light level combined with a medium water movement. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

It will benefit from additional food fed weekly in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp.