Common name: Devonshire cup-coral

General information

Caryophyllia smithii, commonly known as Smith's Cup Coral, is a solitary, non-reef building coral species found in the Northeast Atlantic. Unlike colonial corals, each polyp lives independently, although they can often be found in groups giving the appearance of a colony. Smith's Cup Coral is known for its beautiful, cup-shaped skeleton which can range in color from white to pink or even green.

Care

Smith's Cup Coral is a hardy species that can thrive in a variety of tank conditions. They prefer moderate lighting and water flow. It's important to provide a stable environment with consistent water quality. They feed on microscopic plankton in the water column and benefit from supplemental feedings of fine particulate foods.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships like those seen in clownfish and anemones, Smith's Cup Coral may provide microhabitats for small invertebrates and serve as a settlement substrate for other marine organisms.

Habitat

This species is typically found on rocky substrates and in crevices, often in areas with strong currents which facilitate feeding. They are distributed across the Northeast Atlantic, from the coasts of Portugal to Norway, and are commonly found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 meters deep.