Golden Table Hard Coral Turbinaria Sp

Golden Table Hard Coral (Turbinaria sp.)

(Also known as Scroll Coral, Cup Coral, Vase Coral, or Pagoda Coral)

Overview

The Golden Table Coral (Turbinaria sp.) is a stunning large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, recognised for its distinctive, plate-like growth and golden-yellow colouration that glows beautifully under actinic lighting. Colonies can develop into flat, tiered, or scroll-shaped formations, resembling elegant tabletop structures. The coral’s upright polyps give it a textured, fuzzy appearance when extended, providing graceful movement and a natural reef aesthetic. Hardy, adaptable, and visually striking, the Turbinaria genus is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a durable and sculptural showpiece.

Origin

Native to the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Commonly found on upper reef slopes, lagoons, and reef crests, where it receives strong light and steady water movement.

Feeding

The Golden Table Coral is photosynthetic, containing symbiotic zooxanthellae that provide most of its nutrition via photosynthesis. However, supplemental feeding supports faster growth and deeper colouration. Offer 1–2 feedings per week of:

• Marine snow or coral plankton blends
• Phytoplankton and microplankton
• Finely powdered coral foods

Target feed in low flow to maximise polyp capture efficiency.

Lighting

Moderate to high lighting. Provide bright, full-spectrum illumination using LED, T5, or metal halide systems.

• PAR range: 150–300 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s
• Acclimate gradually to higher light levels to prevent bleaching.
• Blue-spectrum lighting enhances golden and green fluorescent hues.

Water Flow

Moderate to strong, indirect flow. Consistent, turbulent water movement helps maintain gas exchange, remove debris, and keep polyps extended. Avoid strong, direct jets that could cause tissue recession.

Placement

• Position on mid to upper rockwork where it can receive adequate light and flow.
• Allow sufficient horizontal space for the coral’s table or scroll-like growth form.
• Avoid shading from larger corals or rock structures.
• Secure placement to prevent tipping or collapse as the coral expands.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Compatible with:

• All peaceful reef-safe fish (tangs, wrasses, gobies, clownfish, etc.)
• Peaceful invertebrates (snails, shrimp, hermit crabs)
• Other non-aggressive corals with proper spacing

Avoid:

• Aggressive LPS or stinging corals (e.g., Euphyllia, Galaxea, Hydnophora) nearby
• Large angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip polyp tissue

Aggression

Peaceful.Turbinaria does not possess long sweeper tentacles and rarely engages in direct coral aggression. Maintain moderate spacing (10 cm / 4 in) to avoid tissue contact and ensure adequate water flow between colonies.

Experience Level

Intermediate.Turbinaria species are hardy and tolerant once established but require strong light, steady flow, and stable parameters for optimal growth and colour. Suitable for aquarists with some LPS or SPS experience.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Hardness (dKH): 8–12
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrate: <5 ppm
• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm
• Tank Size: Minimum 150 litres (40 gallons) for stability and adequate growth space

Stable alkalinity and calcium levels are crucial for maintaining skeletal development and polyp extension.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Golden Table Coral is a visually impressive and hardy addition to both mixed and SPS reef systems. Its radiant golden tones, sculptural plate growth, and flowing polyp movement make it a stunning centrepiece coral that adds height, texture, and brilliance to any mature reef display.

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Interesting Fact

Unlike most LPS corals, Turbinaria polyps extend upward rather than outward, giving it a distinctive “fuzzy tabletop” appearance. Over time, multiple colonies can form layered shelves, mimicking natural coral reef formations.