Grass Hard Coral Pavona Sp

Grass Hard Coral (Pavona sp.)

(Also known as Cactus Coral, Lettuce Coral, or Potato Chip Coral)

Overview

The Grass Coral (Pavona sp.) is a hardy and uniquely textured small-polyp stony (SPS) coral, easily recognised by its fine ridged surface and grass-like polyp structure that gives it a softly rippled, living texture. Often forming encrusting, plating, or leafy vertical sheets, Pavona displays vibrant hues of green, tan, brown, or orange, often glowing vividly under actinic or blue LED lighting. Known for its resilience and adaptability, this coral is an excellent choice for aquarists transitioning from LPS to SPS systems, offering beautiful motion and structure with less demanding care requirements.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and Indonesia. Found in shallow reef slopes, lagoon areas, and outer reef walls, where it thrives under strong light and turbulent flow.

Feeding

The Grass Coral is photosynthetic, housing zooxanthellae that provide most of its nutritional needs through photosynthesis. While direct feeding isn’t essential, occasional supplementation encourages growth and deeper coloration. Offer weekly feedings of:

• Marine snow or fine coral plankton blends
• Phytoplankton or microplankton
• Amino acid supplements for SPS corals

Lighting

Moderate to high lighting.Pavona thrives under bright, full-spectrum illumination from LED, T5, or metal halidesystems.

• PAR range: 150–300 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s
• Gradual acclimation to high light prevents bleaching.
• Blue-spectrum lighting highlights the coral’s fluorescence and enhances its surface texture.

Water Flow

Moderate to strong, variable flow. Ensure good water circulation to prevent detritus buildup in folds and crevices while allowing polyps to extend and feed naturally. Avoid direct, laminar flow that could stress tissue.

Placement

• Ideal placement is on mid to upper rockwork, where it can receive sufficient light and flow.
• Allow room for horizontal spreading or plating growth.
• Avoid shaded areas that can limit growth and colour vibrancy.
• Pavona can encrust rock surfaces or form vertical plates depending on conditions.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Compatible with:

• All peaceful reef-safe fish (tangs, wrasses, gobies, clownfish, etc.)
• Shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates
• Other SPS and peaceful LPS corals

Avoid:

• Aggressive or stinging corals (e.g., Galaxea, Euphyllia, Hydnophora)
• Butterflyfish and large angelfish that may nip coral tissue

Aggression

Mildly aggressive.Pavona can extend short sweeper tentacles to defend space. Maintain at least 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) of clearance from neighbouring corals.

Experience Level

Intermediate.Pavona is one of the hardiest SPS corals and tolerates moderate parameter fluctuations, making it ideal for reef keepers progressing beyond LPS species. It adapts well to various tank conditions if light and flow remain stable.

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 100 litres (25 gallons); larger systems provide greater stability for SPS growth

Stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium are key to maintaining strong skeletal structure and vibrant colouration.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Grass Coral is a tough yet elegant coral that provides natural texture and depth to reef aquariums. Its rippled, leafy plates and shimmering polyps add dynamic movement and contrast to both SPS-dominated and mixed reef systems. With its adaptability and hardy nature, Pavona is an ideal coral for aquarists looking for beauty and resilience in one species.

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Interesting Fact

Unlike most SPS corals, Pavona polyps extend both day and night, giving it a constantly “alive” appearance — earning it the nickname “Cactus” or “Grass Coral” for its dense, organic texture.