Favia brain coral (Dipsastraea pallida) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Favia pallida, Favia, Moon coral, Pineapple coral
Family
Merulinidae (formerly Faviidae)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, on most reef habitats
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Moderate (LiveAquaria)
Flow
Moderate

Care

Dipsastraea pallida is the classic Favia brain coral: a domed or encrusting colony of round, separate corallites, each with its own wall. Colours range from green and brown to bright captive-grown forms with contrasting eyes. Naming: it was long known as Favia pallida; Indo-Pacific Favia species were moved to Dipsastraea in 2012, and the family changed from Faviidae to Merulinidae. It is still widely sold as Favia. LiveAquaria rates its Favia brain coral easy and suitable for any level of the tank, with moderate light and medium flow. A low to middle position with space around it suits it best. Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.1–8.4 and 22–26 °C, with iodine, magnesium, trace elements, calcium and strontium. Growth is slow to moderate. Selling: this is a CITES Appendix II coral. Frags grown in the UK can be sold freely; wild-collected or imported pieces must have been legally imported with CITES paperwork. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/brain-coral-green). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mainly photosynthetic. LiveAquaria recommends micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp about twice a week in the evening, when the tentacles are out.

Breeding

Can be fragged by cutting through the skeleton with a saw so each piece keeps several whole polyps; glue to a plug or rock.

Compatibility and tank mates

Aggressive for its size (LiveAquaria): at night its sweeper tentacles extend well beyond the colony, so leave 7–10 cm around it.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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