Common name: Knob coral

General information

The Honeycomb Coral, scientifically known as Favia favus, is a species of stony coral that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. This coral is known for its hardiness and the beautiful honeycomb pattern formed by its corallites, which are the skeletal cup structures that house the coral's polyps. Favia favus is a part of the family Mussidae and is found in various colors, ranging from green to brown, with contrasting centers that can be quite striking under aquarium lighting.

Care

Favia favus is a relatively easy coral to maintain, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced hobbyists. It thrives in moderate lighting conditions and benefits from moderate water flow, which helps to remove waste and deliver nutrients to the polyps. While it can obtain much of its nutrition from the photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) living within its tissues, supplemental feeding with microplankton or finely minced seafood can promote growth and vitality.

Symbiosis

While Favia favus does not have the same level of symbiotic relationships as some other corals, it does host a variety of small invertebrates within its structure. These can include commensal crabs and shrimp, which may find refuge among the coral's polyps and help keep the coral clean from detritus and algae.

Habitat

In the wild, Favia favus is commonly found on reef slopes and in lagoons, where it forms massive boulders or encrusting formations. It is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. This coral species is adaptable to various depths, often found from shallow waters to depths of over 30 meters.