Genus

Common name: Cactus Coral

Scientific name: Pavona

Pavona, commonly known as Cactus Coral, Lettuce Coral, or Potato Chip Coral, is a genus of small polyp stony corals (SPS) found in shallow tropical reefs. These corals are appreciated for their diverse growth forms, which can range from encrusting to leafy or plate-like structures. They exhibit a variety of colors, often in shades of green, brown, and sometimes with hints of pink or purple. Pavona corals are symbiotic with zooxanthellae, which aid in their nutrition through photosynthesis. They are relatively hardy in a reef aquarium setting, but they do require stable water conditions and moderate to high lighting to thrive. Hobbyists should provide ample space for growth and consider their potential to outcompete nearby corals.

  1. Pavona SPS Cactus Coral - (PAVONA DECUSSATUS)
    Common name: lettuce coral
    Scientific name: Pavona cactus
  2. Reef scenic with Pavona clavus hard corals, Sulawesi Indonesia
    Common name: Leaf coral
    Scientific name: Pavona clavus
  3. Pavona Coral SPS - Pavona decussatus
    Common name: Leaf coral
    Scientific name: Pavona danai
  4. yellow band disease on leaf coral. Pavona decussata.
    Common name: Leaf coral
    Scientific name: Pavona decussata
  5. Pavona Coral SPS - Pavona decussatus
    Common name: Leaf coral
    Scientific name: Pavona duerdeni
  6. Common name: Leaf coral
    Scientific name: Pavona explanulata
  7. leaf Coral in the coral reef
    Common name: Leaf coral
    Scientific name: Pavona frondifera
  8. Common name: Leaf coral
    Scientific name: Pavona maldivensis
  9. Common name: Leaf coral
    Scientific name: Pavona varians