{"product_id":"coral-sea-sun-black-hard-coral-tubastrea-sp","title":"Coral Sea Sun Black Hard Coral Tubastrea Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eCoral Sea Sun Black Hard Coral (Tubastraea sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Black Sun Coral, Sun Coral, or Tubastraea Coral)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coral Sea Sun Black Coral (\u003cem\u003eTubastraea\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a breathtaking \u003cstrong\u003enon-photosynthetic large-polyp stony (LPS) coral\u003c\/strong\u003e, admired for its \u003cstrong\u003ebrilliant orange, yellow, or golden polyps\u003c\/strong\u003e that emerge from a striking \u003cstrong\u003edark, black or purple skeleton\u003c\/strong\u003e. Unlike most corals, \u003cem\u003eTubastraea\u003c\/em\u003e relies entirely on captured food rather than light for nutrition, making it a standout feature in shaded reef zones or NPS (non-photosynthetic) aquariums. When fully extended, its tentacles form a radiant, flower-like display that glows vividly under actinic or blue LED lighting. While hardy and long-lived, \u003cem\u003eTubastraea\u003c\/em\u003erequires regular feeding and stable water quality, making it a coral best suited for dedicated reef keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eCoral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and the Indo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e. Typically found on \u003cstrong\u003eshaded reef ledges, cave entrances, and overhangs\u003c\/strong\u003e at moderate depths, where light is low but planktonic food is abundant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Black Sun Coral is \u003cstrong\u003enon-photosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e and must be \u003cstrong\u003efed regularly\u003c\/strong\u003e to survive. It extends its polyps primarily at night to capture drifting plankton and small particles. Offer \u003cstrong\u003esmall, frequent feedings (3–5 times per week)\u003c\/strong\u003e of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or finely chopped seafood\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine plankton or coral micro foods\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef nutrition blends (e.g., Reef-Roids, Coralific Delite)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTarget feeding with a pipette or turkey baster works best — gently waft food over extended polyps to encourage capture. Consistent feeding is essential for polyp health, colour intensity, and skeletal growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTubastraea\u003c\/em\u003e does not contain zooxanthellae and gains no nutritional benefit from light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace in \u003cstrong\u003eshaded or dimly lit areas\u003c\/strong\u003e of the aquarium.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcess light encourages algae growth on the coral’s surface, which can smother polyps.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate, indirect flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide enough water movement to deliver food and remove waste without disturbing the extended polyps. A steady, alternating current helps mimic the coral’s natural environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace under \u003cstrong\u003eledges, overhangs, or in shaded cave areas\u003c\/strong\u003e to protect from direct light.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttach securely to \u003cstrong\u003elive rock\u003c\/strong\u003e or stable surfaces using coral glue or epoxy.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid placing in open, high-light areas where algae can overgrow its surface.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll peaceful reef-safe fish (gobies, tangs, blennies, cardinalfish, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef-safe invertebrates (shrimp, snails, hermit crabs)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther LPS or soft corals that do not require high light\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFish that pick at coral polyps (butterflyfish, large angelfish)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorals or anemones with aggressive stinging tentacles nearby\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrazing invertebrates that might disturb polyps during feeding\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTubastraea\u003c\/em\u003e does not possess long sweeper tentacles or aggressive stings. However, it should still be given a few centimetres of space to avoid irritation from neighbouring species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate to advanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e While hardy once feeding is established, this coral’s \u003cstrong\u003edependence on manual feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003esusceptibility to algae overgrowth\u003c\/strong\u003e require commitment and consistent care. Ideal for experienced reef keepers or those maintaining a dedicated non-photosynthetic coral system.\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 space\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-quality filtration, strong skimming, and regular water changes are essential to handle the bioload from frequent feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Coral Sea Sun Black Coral adds stunning visual appeal to shaded reef areas, with its bright, flower-like polyps providing a striking contrast to surrounding rockwork. Perfect for \u003cstrong\u003eNPS displays, twilight reef zones\u003c\/strong\u003e, or aquarists seeking a vibrant coral that thrives beyond the typical high-light environment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864403882359,"sku":"FSH-01190","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Coral-Sea-Sun-Black-Hard-Coral-Tubastrea-Sp.png?v=1773331174","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/coral-sea-sun-black-hard-coral-tubastrea-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}