Common name: Sun Coral

General information

Tubastraea faulkneri, commonly known as the Sun Coral or Orange Cup Coral, is a non-photosynthetic coral that is highly sought after in the reefkeeping hobby for its vibrant orange color and unique cup-shaped polyps. Unlike most reef-building corals, Sun Corals do not contain zooxanthellae, the symbiotic algae that provide energy through photosynthesis, which means they rely entirely on feeding to obtain nutrients.

Care

Caring for Sun Corals can be challenging due to their non-photosynthetic nature. They require regular feeding with meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or finely chopped seafood. It's important to ensure that each polyp receives food, which can be done using a feeding syringe or pipette. Stable water parameters and low to moderate flow are also crucial for their well-being.

Symbiosis

While Tubastraea faulkneri does not engage in the classic symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, it can form associations with certain marine invertebrates. For example, some species of brittle stars and small crustaceans may take refuge among its polyps, benefiting from the coral's structure for protection while keeping the coral clean from detritus.

Habitat

Sun Corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically in shaded areas or caves where light levels are low. They can be found at various depths, often between 5 to 40 meters, where they attach to hard substrates.