Green Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata) – Description & Care
The Green Candy Cane Coral, a variety of Caulastrea furcata, is a hardy and beginner-friendly LPS coral known for its bright neon green, lime, or mint-colored fleshy polyps. These polyps sit atop a branching skeletal base, resembling a candy cane. This coral is a great addition to any reef tank due to its easy care, peaceful nature, and unique glowing appearance under blue lighting.
Care Requirements:
1. Lighting
- Low to Moderate (PAR 50-150)
- Thrives under LED, T5, or metal halide lighting.
- Blue spectrum lighting enhances its neon green glow.
- Too much light can cause bleaching, while too little may slow growth.
2. Flow
- Moderate, Indirect Flow
- Prefers gentle to moderate flow to keep detritus from settling on its polyps.
- Too much flow can cause the coral to retract, while too little can allow debris buildup.
3. Placement
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Lower to mid-tank, depending on light intensity.
- Can be placed on sandbeds, stable rock ledges, or crevices.
- Needs 2-4 inches of space from more aggressive corals to prevent stinging.
4. Water Parameters
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Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C)
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Salinity: 1.025 SG (35 ppt)
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pH: 8.1-8.4
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Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
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Calcium: 400-450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
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Nitrates: 5-10 ppm
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Phosphates: 0.01-0.05 ppm
5. Feeding
- Photosynthetic but benefits from supplemental feeding.
- Target feed 1-2 times per week with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids, Benereef).
- Regular feeding promotes faster growth and larger polyp extension.
6. Tank Mates & Compatibility
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Peaceful coral, making it ideal for mixed reef tanks.
- Can be placed near other LPS corals with similar aggression levels (e.g., acans, blastos, or other candy cane corals).
- Safe with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates, but avoid coral-picking fish like butterflyfish and large angelfish.
7. Special Considerations
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Grows by sprouting new heads, which can be fragged easily.
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Monitor for tissue recession, as it may indicate poor water quality or inadequate feeding.
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Stable parameters and occasional target feeding encourage faster growth and better coloration.
