Jason Fox Limelight Coral

Jason Fox Limelight Hydnophora Coral

Available for Local Pickup in store

 

Overview

The Jason Fox Limelight Hydnophora is a stunning SPS (small-polyp stony) coral prized in the reefing hobby for its vibrant neon green coloration and unique branching or encrusting growth forms. Hydnophora, sometimes called the Horn Coral, is known for its distinctive “knobby” skeleton and fast growth rate. This coral makes a dramatic centerpiece in SPS or mixed reefs, especially under blue lighting where its fluorescent green pops vividly.

 

Appearance

• Coloration: Striking neon lime to bright green with intense fluorescence.

• Structure: Can grow in branching, plating, or encrusting forms depending on placement and flow.

• Texture: Features characteristic protruding “hydnophores” (fused corallite ridges) that give it a spiky appearance.

 

Temperament & Behavior

• Aggression Level: Highly aggressive – Hydnophora corals possess long, powerful sweeper tentacles that can sting and kill nearby corals.

• Behavior Patterns: Extends sweeper tentacles primarily at night to defend its territory.

 

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20+ gallons (though more stable conditions in larger tanks are ideal).

• Placement: Mid to upper rockwork for best coloration; provide plenty of space between neighbors due to its aggression.

• Flow: Moderate to strong, promoting polyp extension and preventing detritus buildup.

• Lighting: Moderate to high PAR (150–300) under T5, LED, or halide setups. Stronger light brings out its glowing coloration.

 

Diet & Feeding

• Feeding Needs: Primarily photosynthetic through its zooxanthellae, but benefits from supplemental feeding.

• Supplemental Foods: Fine particulate coral foods, rotifers, reef roids, or phytoplankton.

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times weekly for enhanced growth and coloration.

 

Reef Compatibility

• Reef Safe: Yes, but not friendly to close neighbors due to its sweeper tentacles.

• Role in Tank: Provides vibrant color and unique skeletal structure, often used as a focal coral.

 

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Safe with fish, inverts, and clams.

• Coral Placement: Keep away from other corals (especially SPS and LPS) to avoid chemical and physical warfare.

 

Care Level

• Difficulty: Moderate – requires stable parameters and room to grow.

• Growth Rate: Fast for an SPS coral.

• Hardiness: Hardy compared to many SPS but still sensitive to unstable parameters.

 

Water Parameters (Ideal Range)

• Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH

• Calcium: 420–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

• Nitrates: <10 ppm

• Phosphates: <0.05 ppm

 

Propagation

• Method: Fragging via cutting branches or encrusted sections with a coral saw or bone cutters.

• Healing Time: Heals relatively quickly compared to many other SPS species.

 

🌟 Fun Facts About Jason Fox Limelight Hydnophora

• Aggression Champion: Hydnophora corals are considered among the most aggressive SPS corals, often outcompeting neighbors for space.

• Glows Like a Neon Sign: Under actinic/blue lighting, the Limelight variety fluoresces with an electric green glow, making it one of Jason Fox’s signature show corals.

• Coral Chameleon: Depending on flow and placement, it may grow branching, plating, or encrusting forms—a rare adaptability trait among SPS corals.

 

✅ Summary:
The Jason Fox Limelight Hydnophora is a hardy, fast-growing, and aggressive SPS coral that thrives in well-lit, well-flowed reef tanks. Its neon green glow and unique structure make it a striking centerpiece, but its potent sting means you must give it plenty of space from other corals.