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.
Details
- Lighting
- 50 to 150 PAR
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Calcium supplementation needed
- Flow
- Moderate Prefers varied flow patterns
- Aggression
- Peaceful
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumCnidariansCnidaria
- ClassCoralsAnthozoa
- OrderStony CoralsScleractinia
- FamilyStony CoralsCaryophylliidae
- GenusCaryophylliaCaryophyllia
- SpeciesDevonshire cup-coralCaryophyllia smithii Stokes & Broderip, 1828
- SynonymsCaryophyllia clavus Scacchi, 1835Caryophyllia clavus elongata Duncan, 1873Caryophyllia clavus epithecata Duncan, 1873Caryophyllia clavus exserta Duncan, 1873Caryophyllia pseudoturbinolia Michelin, 1841Caryophyllia smithii castanea Gosse, 1860Caryophyllia smithii clara Gosse, 1860Caryophyllia smithii esmeralda Gosse, 1860Cyathina turbinata Philippi, 1836Paracyathus humilis Duncan, 1878Paracyathus monilis Duncan, 1878Paracyathus pteropus Gosse, 1860Paracyathus taxilianus Gosse, 1860Paracyathus thulensis Gosse, 1860Turbinolia borealis Fleming, 1828
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.