Trumpet Hard Coral Caulastrea Sp

Description

Trumpet Hard Coral (Caulastrea sp.)

(Also known as Candy Cane Coral, Trumpet Coral, or Torch Trumpet Coral)

Overview

The Trumpet Hard Coral (Caulastrea sp.) is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, instantly recognised by its clustered trumpet-shaped heads and fleshy, rounded polyps. Each branch ends in a bulbous polyp that expands during the day, displaying vibrant hues of green, blue, teal, cream, or gold, often with contrasting centres that fluoresce brilliantly under actinic lighting. Known for its hardiness and peaceful nature, Caulastrea is a perfect choice for both beginner and experienced reef aquarists looking for a reliable, visually appealing coral that adds movement and colour to any reef display.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. Typically found in lagoon slopes and sheltered reef flats, where it thrives in moderate light and flow.

Feeding

The Trumpet Coral is photosynthetic, housing zooxanthellae that provide most of its nutrition. Supplemental feeding promotes faster growth and polyp division. Feed 1–2 times per week with:

• Mysis or enriched brine shrimp

• LPS coral foods or coral pellets

• Marine plankton and fine meaty blends

Feed at night or when feeding tentacles are extended for best results.

Lighting

Moderate lighting. Caulastrea thrives under bright but indirect illumination from LED, T5, or hybrid lighting systems.

• PAR range: 100‚Äì200 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s

• Avoid very intense light that can cause tissue bleaching or retraction.

• Blue-spectrum lighting enhances its fluorescent centres and overall vibrancy.

Water Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, variable currents help deliver nutrients and remove waste without damaging delicate polyps. Avoid direct jets of flow, which can cause the coral to retract or tear.

Placement

• Position on lower to mid rockwork or the substrate, depending on light intensity.

• Ensure 10‚Äì15 cm (4‚Äì6 inches) spacing from neighbouring corals, as Caulastrea can extend short sweeper tentacles at night.

• Provide a stable surface ‚Äî colonies may branch and expand outward over time.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Compatible with:

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

• Invertebrates such as snails, shrimp, and small hermit crabs

• Other non-aggressive LPS or soft corals

Avoid:

• Aggressive stinging corals (e.g., Galaxea, Hydnophora, Euphyllia) placed nearby

• Butterflyfish or large angelfish that may nip at the coral‚Äôs fleshy polyps

Aggression

Peaceful to mildly aggressive. Caulastrea may extend short sweeper tentacles at night but is far less aggressive than most LPS corals. Maintain moderate spacing to prevent tissue contact.

Experience Level

Beginner. The Trumpet Coral is one of the most forgiving and adaptable LPS species available. It’s ideal for beginners learning coral husbandry and for advanced aquarists seeking a dependable, colourful colony that grows well in stable reef conditions.

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 80 litres (20 gallons); larger systems preferred for faster branching growth

Regular water changes and stable parameters encourage rapid head division and healthy tissue expansion.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Trumpet Hard Coral is a classic, beginner-friendly LPS coral that adds structure, colour, and subtle movement to the reef. Its branching growth form allows for easy fragging and propagation, making it a popular coral for both display and coral farming systems.