Species: Cyphastrea sp.
Coral Type: LPS Coral (Large Polyp Stony – Encrusting)
Physical Description: Molten Meteor Cyphastrea is a highly detailed encrusting LPS coral known for its explosive coloration and star-like polyp structure. It typically features a dark base—ranging from deep charcoal and black to dark green or brown—covered in densely packed, pinpoint polyps that glow in intense contrasting colors. The polyps often display fiery oranges, neon reds, and molten yellows, sometimes accented with bright green or teal highlights that create a scattered “meteor shower” effect across the colony. Under actinic and blue-spectrum lighting, the fluorescent pigments intensify dramatically, giving the coral a molten, ember-like glow that appears to flicker across its surface. As it grows, it forms a low, encrusting mat that spreads tightly over rockwork, creating a highly textured and visually dynamic reef accent.
Coral Type: LPS (Large Polyp Stony – Encrusting)
Lighting: Low to Moderate (approximately 50–150 PAR)
Flow Rate: Low to Moderate with gentle, indirect flow to keep detritus from settling and support polyp extension
Food Requirements: Primarily photosynthetic but benefits from occasional broadcast feeding of fine particulate foods such as reef roids or phytoplankton
Aggression: Low; generally peaceful but will encrust over available rock surfaces over time
Substrate: Best placed on stable live rock in lower to mid reef zones where it can safely encrust and expand
We maintain a rigorous, veterinarian-approved quarantine program that includes proactive treatments, careful observation, and daily monitoring to ensure the highest standards of coral and invertebrate health. Our biosecurity practices reduce the risk of any cross-contamination between systems, meaning all our livestock are ready for your display tanks.
