Reeflings

Common name: Torch coral

Scientific name: Euphyllia glabrescens (Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821)
Euphyllia glabrescens Koralle MeerwasserTorch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens)
Torch coralEuphyllia parancora (LPS coral) showing its green fluorescence color on a reef aquarium

General information

The Torch Coral, scientifically known as Euphyllia glabrescens, is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral that is highly sought after in the reefkeeping hobby. Its long, flowing tentacles and bright, fluorescent colors make it a visually striking addition to any reef aquarium. The Torch Coral can come in a variety of colors, including green, brown, yellow, and sometimes with tips of a different color, which can fluoresce under actinic lighting.

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 Sensitive to water quality.
Flow
Moderate Prefers gentle, indirect flow.
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can sting nearby corals with sweeper tentacles.
Trade regulationsSource: Species+
CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B (Scleractinia spp.)
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Cnidarians
    Cnidaria
  3. Class
    Anthozoans
    Anthozoa
  4. Order
    Stony Corals
    Scleractinia
  5. Family
    Hammer Corals
    Euphyllidae
  6. Genus
    Hammer Coral
    Euphyllia
  7. Species
    Torch coral
    Euphyllia glabrescens (Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821)
  8. Synonyms
    Caryophyllia angulosa Quoy & Gaimard, 1824
    Caryophyllia glabrescens Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821
    Euphyllia costulata (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848)
    Euphyllia gaimardi (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848)
    Euphyllia laxa Gravier, 1910
    Euphyllia striata (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848)
    Leptosmilia costulata Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
    Leptosmilia gaimardi Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
    Leptosmilia glabrescens (Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821)
    Leptosmilia rugosa (Dana, 1848)
    Leptosmilia striata Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
    Lobophyllia glabrescens (Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821)

Care

Torch Corals require moderate to high lighting and moderate water flow to thrive in a reef aquarium. They are relatively hardy but should be placed in an area of the tank where they will not be damaged by other corals or strong currents. It's important to provide them with plenty of space as they can be aggressive towards other corals with their long sweeper tentacles. Feeding is not strictly necessary as they receive most of their nutrients from photosynthesis, but they can benefit from occasional feedings of small meaty foods.

Symbiosis

While Torch Corals do not have as many symbiotic relationships as some other marine species, they can host a variety of small marine organisms, including certain species of clownfish, which may seek refuge among their tentacles, similar to anemonefish with sea anemones. However, this is less common and not all clownfish species will associate with Torch Corals.

Habitat

In the wild, Euphyllia glabrescens is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and Tonga. They inhabit reef slopes and lagoons, often in areas with moderate currents which help to deliver planktonic food to the coral and remove waste products.