Common name: Devonshire cup-coral

Scientific name: Caryophyllia smithii Stokes & Broderip, 1828
Carnation coral, Ovale Nelkenkoralle (Caryophyllia smithii)Carnation coral, Ovale Nelkenkoralle (Caryophyllia smithii)

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Cnidarians
    Cnidaria
  3. Class
    Anthozoans
    Anthozoa
  4. Order
    Stony Corals
    Scleractinia
  5. Family
    Stony Corals
    Caryophylliidae
  6. Genus
    Caryophyllia
    Caryophyllia
  7. Species
    Devonshire cup-coral
    Caryophyllia smithii Stokes & Broderip, 1828
  8. Synonyms
    Caryophyllia clavus Scacchi, 1835
    Caryophyllia clavus elongata Duncan, 1873
    Caryophyllia clavus epithecata Duncan, 1873
    Caryophyllia clavus exserta Duncan, 1873
    Caryophyllia pseudoturbinolia Michelin, 1841
    Caryophyllia smithii castanea Gosse, 1860
    Caryophyllia smithii clara Gosse, 1860
    Caryophyllia smithii esmeralda Gosse, 1860
    Cyathina turbinata Philippi, 1836
    Paracyathus humilis Duncan, 1878
    Paracyathus monilis Duncan, 1878
    Paracyathus pteropus Gosse, 1860
    Paracyathus taxilianus Gosse, 1860
    Paracyathus thulensis Gosse, 1860
    Turbinolia 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.