Indo-Pacific; shallow reefs, often in turbid water
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Moderate
Flow
Medium
Care
A stony coral forming cups, plates or tiered shapes, with large polyps that extend in the day. Colours include green, tan, yellow and black. Placement: bottom to middle. Light and flow: moderate light and moderate flow. Water: LiveAquaria rates it easy. Keep calcium around 400–450 ppm, alkalinity at dKH 8–12 and magnesium around 1250–1350 ppm, and keep them steady; regular dosing of calcium, alkalinity and trace elements (or a calcium reactor in a busy reef) is needed as the coral grows. Growth: LiveAquaria says it grows quickly. LiveAquaria sells aquacultured pieces. 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/cup-coral-pagoda). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic, plus brine shrimp or plankton as LiveAquaria suggests.
Breeding
Cut sections of plate with a saw and glue them to plugs.
Compatibility and tank mates
Peaceful; does not harm neighbours. It needs room as it grows.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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