{"product_id":"coral-sea-elegance-comb-hard-coral-cataphylia-sp","title":"Coral Sea Elegance Comb Hard Coral Cataphylia Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eCoral Sea Elegance Comb Hard Coral (Catalaphyllia sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Elegance Coral, Wonder Coral, or Ridge Coral)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coral Sea Elegance Coral (\u003cem\u003eCatalaphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is one of the most stunning and graceful \u003cstrong\u003elarge-polyp stony (LPS) corals\u003c\/strong\u003e, prized for its \u003cstrong\u003elong, flowing tentacles\u003c\/strong\u003e and brilliant colours. Tentacles can vary from \u003cstrong\u003evibrant green, gold, and purple\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003emetallic blue or pink tips\u003c\/strong\u003e, radiating from a meandering ridge-shaped skeleton. When expanded, \u003cem\u003eCatalaphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e displays a soft, swaying motion that adds elegance and life to any reef display. Though hardy in the right conditions, this coral requires \u003cstrong\u003ecareful placement and moderate flow\u003c\/strong\u003e to avoid tissue damage, making it best suited for aquarists with some LPS experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, particularly around the \u003cstrong\u003eCoral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and Indonesia\u003c\/strong\u003e. Found in \u003cstrong\u003esheltered lagoons and sandy reef slopes\u003c\/strong\u003e, often partially buried in soft substrate with moderate light and gentle current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Elegance Coral is \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, hosting \u003cstrong\u003esymbiotic zooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e that supply much of its nutritional needs. However, it benefits from regular supplemental feeding to promote polyp expansion, colour, and growth. Offer \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 feedings per week\u003c\/strong\u003e of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or finely chopped marine meat\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecialized LPS coral foods or marine snow\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccasional amino acid and trace element supplements\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed in the evening or when tentacles are extended. Avoid overfeeding, which can foul the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide bright but indirect illumination from \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide\u003c\/strong\u003e lighting systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePAR range: \u003cstrong\u003e100–200 ¬µmol\/m¬≤\/s\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eToo much light can cause bleaching or retraction; too little light leads to fading and poor expansion.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue-spectrum lighting enhances its natural fluorescent glow.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate, indirect flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle, variable current is ideal — strong directional flow can tear the coral’s delicate tissue or prevent full polyp expansion. Movement should be just enough to keep detritus from settling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest placed on the \u003cstrong\u003esandy substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing the base to rest naturally and prevent tissue abrasion on sharp rockwork.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlternatively, place in a \u003cstrong\u003elow-flow area of the lower rockwork\u003c\/strong\u003e, ensuring the fleshy tissue does not rub against rough surfaces.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow \u003cstrong\u003e15–20 cm (6–8 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e of clearance from other corals due to its \u003cstrong\u003elong, stinging sweeper tentacles\u003c\/strong\u003e (up to 10 cm \/ 4 inches).\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermits\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther LPS and soft corals placed at a safe distance\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive stinging corals (e.g., Galaxea, Hydnophora, Euphyllia) nearby\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterflyfish, angelfish, or puffers that may nip at fleshy tentacles\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerately aggressive.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatalaphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e extends long, potent stinging tentacles to defend territory. Maintain generous spacing to prevent chemical or physical damage to neighbouring corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate.\u003c\/strong\u003e While hardy under stable conditions, the Elegance Coral is sensitive to strong flow, fluctuating water parameters, and excessive light. It thrives best in \u003cstrong\u003emature, stable reef systems\u003c\/strong\u003e with consistent care and moderate nutrient levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400–450 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1250–1350 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;10 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e75 gallons (280L)\u003c\/strong\u003e for stability and adequate flow zones\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable alkalinity and calcium are vital for maintaining its skeletal health and overall vitality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Coral Sea Elegance Coral is a captivating centrepiece species that adds dramatic movement and colour to LPS and mixed reefs. Its flowing tentacles and fluorescent tones make it a standout under blue lighting, but it requires space and gentle conditions to thrive without conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864403423607,"sku":"FSH-01184","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Coral-Sea-Elegance-Comb-Hard-Coral-Cataphylia-Sp.png?v=1773331166","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/coral-sea-elegance-comb-hard-coral-cataphylia-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}