Pineapple War Hard Coral Favites Sp

Description

Pineapple War Hard Coral (Favites sp.)

(Also known as Pineapple Coral, War Coral, or Closed Brain Coral)

Overview

The Pineapple War Hard Coral (Favites sp.) is a bold and colourful large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, prized for its distinct polygonal corallite structure and vibrant, contrasting colours. Typically displaying green, red, orange, and purple hues, often outlined by glowing ridges, this coral forms dome-shaped or encrusting colonies with a quilted, pineapple-like texture. Its durability, slow growth rate, and striking appearance make it an ideal centrepiece coral for mixed and LPS reef systems. Although hardy, Favites is known for its moderate aggression and should be given ample space to prevent stinging neighbouring corals.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Red Sea. Found on lagoon slopes and reef crests, often growing encrusted on rocks or forming small boulder-like colonies in moderate light and flow.

Feeding

The Pineapple War Coral is photosynthetic, deriving most of its energy from zooxanthellae. However, feeding promotes stronger growth and brighter pigmentation. Offer 1–2 feedings per week of:

• Mysis or brine shrimp (finely chopped)

• Coral plankton or reef roids-style powdered foods

• Marine snow or LPS-targeted coral blends

Target feed at night or during low flow when tentacles are extended.

Lighting

Moderate to high lighting. Provide bright, diffused illumination using LED, T5, or hybrid systems.

• PAR range: 100‚Äì250 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s

• Gradually acclimate to higher light levels to prevent bleaching.

• Blue and actinic lighting bring out vivid fluorescence, especially along the coral‚Äôs ridge lines and polyp edges.

Water Flow

Moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, alternating currents prevent detritus from collecting between corallites and promote healthy polyp extension. Avoid strong, direct jets that can stress tissue or cause retraction.

Placement

• Position on lower to mid rockwork or a stable sandbed area with moderate light and gentle flow.

• Allow 10‚Äì15 cm (4‚Äì6 inches) of spacing from other corals ‚Äî Favites can extend short sweeper tentacles at night to defend its territory.

• Ensure a stable base; colonies can become heavy as they encrust and expand.

Tank Mates

Reef safe with caution. Compatible with:

• Peaceful reef fish (clownfish, tangs, gobies, wrasses, etc.)

• Snails, hermit crabs, and shrimp

• Other non-aggressive LPS and soft corals (with spacing)

Avoid:

• Aggressive corals (e.g., Galaxea, Hydnophora, Torch corals)

• Large angelfish, butterflyfish, or puffers that may nip at polyps

Aggression

Moderate to high. Favites species are known as “War Corals” due to their potent stings and short sweeper tentacles. Maintain clear spacing and steady flow to minimise direct contact with other corals.

Experience Level

Intermediate. The Pineapple War Coral is robust but benefits from stable water chemistry and consistent care. It’s ideal for aquarists with some LPS experience seeking a hardy coral with vivid colouration and unique structure.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24‚Äì27¬∞C (75‚Äì81¬∞F)

• pH: 8.1‚Äì8.4

• Salinity: 1.024‚Äì1.026 SG

• Alkalinity (dKH): 8‚Äì12

• Calcium: 400‚Äì450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250‚Äì1350 ppm

• Nitrate: <10 ppm

• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm

• Tank Size: Minimum 100 litres (25 gallons); larger tanks preferred for spacing and stability

Stable alkalinity and calcium levels are key to healthy skeletal growth and maintaining vibrant colours.

Reef Compatibility

Reef safe with caution. The Pineapple War Coral is an excellent choice for LPS and mixed reef systems. Its striking, glowing patterns and geometric structure make it a showpiece coral that adds depth and colour to the aquarium. Provided it has space to grow and stable conditions, it will thrive for many years.

Interesting Fact

Each polyp of Favites shares part of its skeletal wall with its neighbour, unlike similar species such as Favia — giving the colony its tightly packed, “war coral” appearance and contributing to its aggressive defensive behaviour.