Among large-polyp stony corals, few animals generate as much fascination, and as much confusion, as Acanthophyllia, Indophyllia, and Cynarina. All three are solitary, fleshy, highly ornamental corals that occupy a similar visual category in the minds of reef aquarists: oversized…
RB Care Guide: Torch Coral
Torch Corals, commonly known as Torches, are among the most popular Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals in the aquarium hobby. Many enthusiasts consider them the “Kings of the Euphyllia” genus, which also includes Branching Hammers, Wall Hammers, and Frogspawn. These…
RB Care Guide: Trachyphyllia
Introduction to Trachyphyllia Care Trachyphyllia, or Trachy, as they are commonly called, are another extremely popular and must have LPS coral! These big meat corals are recognized by their fleshy, brightly colored bodies that light up the bottom of reef…
What kind of Saltwater Tank do you want?
Up until this point just about everything that has been done in preparation of setting up a new tank is pretty much the same. A tank, stand, skimmer, lights, etc are all going to be used regardless of what you…
Crazy Ludicrous Chalice in the wild!
Once in a while, you come across a coral during a dive, and you can’t not share it with everyone. This was the case during an exploration dive in the south of Sumba. Exposed, high swell, cold up-wellings, everyone was…
The Mother of all Cynarina lacrymalis found on the Great Barrier Reef
Ania Nerowski, our own Australian-based coral nerd, has reported to us a fantastic coral that showed up in Australia. Cynarina lacrymalis, the Button Coral, is normally a solitary, monocentric, one polyp, one mouth coral. Double or triple heads sometimes show…
Gingerbread Corals’ Unique ‘Holographic’ Acanthophyllia
There is a clear disconnect between corals that are actually rare, such as Palauastraea or branching Echinopora, and the hype corals that get the likes on social media or command the highest price tags. Case in point is an incredible…
Reefers are Sleeping On the ‘Inflatable’ Cynarinas
The reef aquarium world has been perpetually infatuated with showy large polyp stony corals as showcase centerpieces, or at the very least a very expensive flex. Trachies have long been celebrated, Acanthos are conspicuous consumption at its finest and only in…
Galaxea Can Grow as big as Houses!
Large hard coral colonies are not only a very good sign of proper reef health, they are also a mesmerizing sight when they allowed to grow to full size. These majestic coral colonies are getting hard to find so we’re…
Ultimate Mycedium Chalice Corals Spotted in Indonesia
We love to photograph Mycedium under water – Mycedium elephantotus is probably one of the most photogenic corals because it always exhibit a variety of bright colors on the same colony with contrasting mouths. During a diving trip in central…
