Mandarin Swag Torch Coral – Intense Green with Orange Tips
Mandarin Swag Torch Coral – Intense Green with Orange Tips (Euphyllia glabrescens)
Species: LPS Coral
Growth Form: Branching skeleton with long, flowing tentacles
Coloration: Intense green tentacles with vibrant orange tips
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; possesses stinging sweeper tentacles
Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum; larger, stable reef aquariums are recommended
Placement: Middle to lower rockwork, with ample space from neighbouring corals
Lighting: Moderate (approximately 75–150 PAR)
Flow: Moderate, indirect and turbulent
Diet: Primarily photosynthetic; benefits from occasional supplemental feeding
Feeding: Occasional small portions of suitable LPS coral food or finely chopped meaty marine foods
Care Level: Moderate
Mandarin Swag Torch Coral – Intense Green with Orange Tips (Euphyllia glabrescens)
Common Names: Mandarin Swag Torch Coral, Green Torch Coral, Orange-Tipped Torch Coral
Identification:
The Mandarin Swag Torch Coral is a stunning LPS coral featuring intensely green, flowing tentacles finished with contrasting bright orange tips. Its vivid colour combination and graceful movement make it a striking addition to any reef aquarium. Each polyp extends from a hard, branching calcium-carbonate skeleton, creating a beautiful display as the tentacles sway gently in the current.
Behaviour & Role:
This coral adds vibrant colour, texture and natural movement to reef aquariums. Under suitable lighting, its intense green tentacles and orange tips create an eye-catching contrast. With stable water parameters and proper care, it can gradually develop additional heads and form a larger colony.
Compatibility & Caution:
- Reef Safe: Generally reef safe, but its stinging tentacles can damage neighbouring corals.
- Aggression: Moderate to high. Torch corals can extend sweeper tentacles that sting nearby corals, so provide adequate spacing.
- Placement: Place on the middle to lower rockwork, allowing sufficient room for the tentacles to expand fully.
- Compatibility Note: Avoid placing it too close to other LPS or SPS corals. Do not assume that different torch coral varieties will tolerate direct contact.
Care Level: Moderate
- Water Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
- Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 7–9 dKH
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
- Lighting: Moderate, approximately 75–150 PAR as a starting range; acclimate gradually.
- Water Flow: Moderate, indirect and turbulent flow that allows the tentacles to sway gently without being blasted.
- Diet: Primarily photosynthetic, with supplemental nutrition from dissolved and suspended organic matter and occasional suitable coral foods.
Tank Mates:
Suitable tank mates include peaceful reef fish and compatible invertebrates that do not nip at coral tissue. Avoid known coral predators and fish that may damage its delicate tentacles. Maintain sufficient distance from neighbouring corals to prevent stinging injuries.
Fun Fact:
Torch corals use tiny stinging cells on their tentacles to capture prey and defend their space. Their flowing tentacles create a flame-like appearance, while their symbiotic algae provide much of the energy they need to thrive.