Purple Green Candy Cane Coral

 Purple and Greenish Blue Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata)

 

Description:
The Purple and Greenish Blue Candy Cane Coral is a captivating LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral prized for its vibrant dual-tone coloration and soft, flowing appearance. Each fleshy polyp features a rich purple outer ring that transitions into a radiant greenish-blue center, creating a stunning contrast under both daylight and actinic lighting. Its candy cane–like growth pattern, with multiple trumpet-shaped heads extending from a shared skeleton, gives it both visual appeal and a sturdy structure ideal for reef aquariums.

 

Care Level: Easy to Moderate
This coral is a great choice for both beginners and experienced reef keepers. It’s hardy, resilient to minor parameter fluctuations, and grows steadily with proper care.

 

Lighting Requirements:
Moderate lighting is ideal. Under medium PAR (80–150), the coral’s fluorescent pigments glow intensely, especially under blue or actinic LED spectrums. Avoid excessively strong light to prevent bleaching.

 

Water Flow:
Low to moderate water flow is recommended. Gentle, indirect currents help keep the coral clean and allow its polyps to expand fully without tearing.

 

Placement:
Place on the lower to middle levels of the tank, ensuring enough room for each head to expand. Candy Cane Corals have short sweeper tentacles but can still sting nearby corals if placed too close.

 

Feeding:
Although photosynthetic, it benefits from supplemental feeding. Offer small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral pellets 1–2 times a week, preferably at night when feeding tentacles are extended.

 

Growth & Propagation:
This coral grows by budding new heads from its branching skeleton. It’s easy to frag by cutting between polyps, making it a great coral for propagation or trading among hobbyists.

 

 

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

 

Behavior & Compatibility:
Peaceful and non-aggressive, the Purple and Greenish Blue Candy Cane Coral does well in mixed reef tanks. Its calm nature makes it suitable to keep alongside other LPS, soft corals, and most reef-safe fish and invertebrates.

 

Highlights:
✅ Striking dual-tone coloration under actinic light
✅ Hardy and ideal for beginners
✅ Moderate growth rate and easy propagation
✅ Peaceful temperament suitable for community reef tanks

 

 Fun Facts

• Nickname origin: Called “candy cane” or “trumpet” coral because each polyp looks like a little trumpet or candy cane when extended.

• Native range: Commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region — think reefs around Australia, Indonesia, and nearby islands.

• Glowing show: Their vivid colors are enhanced by fluorescent proteins — they really pop under blue/actinic lighting.

• Night shift feeders: Polyps often extend more fully at night to catch food, so evening feedings usually get the best response.

• Quick retractors: They snap closed fast when touched or startled — a neat defense (and a reminder to handle with care when fragging).

• Symbiosis superstar: Like many stony corals, they host zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) that provide energy through photosynthesis — but they still appreciate occasional meaty snacks.

• Hobby favorite: They’re popular with reefers because they’re both visually striking and forgiving — plus they frag easily for trades or sales.

• Colony potential: Left to grow, a single frag can develop into a large, colorful colony that becomes a focal point in the aquarium.