Red Hot Lava Cyphastrea Coral

Red Hot Lava Cyphastrea, Cyphastrea sp., is an encrusting stony coral known for its compact corallites and contrasting tissue coloration. This WYSIWYG specimen displays an intense red to crimson base with raised corallites that create a dense, textured surface across the colony. Subtle lighter highlights around the individual corallites add depth and give the coral its distinctive molten “lava” appearance. Cyphastrea corals contain symbiotic zooxanthellae that provide much of their nutritional needs through photosynthesis, while the polyps can also capture fine suspended foods. They typically grow by encrusting outward over available hard substrate and can form substantial colonies over time. Because species-level identification within Cyphastrea cannot reliably be confirmed from external appearance alone, Cyphastrea sp. is the scientifically appropriate designation.

Care Guide: Cyphastrea sp. generally performs best under low to moderate reef lighting with moderate, indirect water flow. Many Cyphastrea corals tolerate comparatively lower light levels and should be acclimated gradually if being moved into brighter areas of the aquarium. Provide enough circulation to keep detritus from settling on the colony without directing strong flow continuously at the tissue. Place on stable rockwork with room for the coral to encrust outward. Maintain stable reef parameters, particularly salinity, temperature, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. Moderate nitrate and phosphate availability is generally preferable to completely nutrient-depleted conditions. Although primarily photosynthetic, Cyphastrea may benefit from occasional fine planktonic coral foods.