Eye Candy

If any coral fits this description of eye candy, the candy coral has to be it.  The Caulastrea species is often called by the common name candy coral.  This is a very fitting name with the amazing color combinations it sports.  This particular specimen is very bright and stands out in any reef aquarium it resides in.  It is very hardy and can tolerate many bio types quite nicely.  Lower light seems to be its preference and it eagerly accepts food particles when healthy.  Some of this species will have contrasting color combinations with the center being a different pigment then the outer edge.  The most appealing quality is the fact that it is a great beginner coral with plenty of bling.  Being a larger polyp stoney coral and not exhibiting a extremely aggressive nature to surrounding specimens is a plus.  A couple inches of space is all that is required to minimalize warfare.  Many of the similar corals will become very aggressive to surrounding specimens and a battle for space will ensue.  This coral grows fairly quickly and forms new heads when active growth is realized.  This particular coral is so bright that it can become the focal point of the aquarium.  This specimen is a captive grown colony that was found at one of the many frag swaps I attend.  A single polyp was the starting point and only after a short time a mature colony developed.  New heads will grow on a elongated skeleton over time.  It is very easy to propagate with the stoney portion being a branching formation.  Cutting the branch below the soft tissue and attaching it to a solid substrate is quite easy.  All that is needed is some cyanoacrylate or reef epoxy and the proper location.  It can be placed lower in brightly lit aquariums and will do nicely in this location.  Aquariums with lower light levels can keep it closer to the top with no ill effects.  This may not be the type of candy you can enjoy as a snack but it surely is pleasing to the eye.… More:

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