Jason Fox Jack-O-Lantern Coral

Jason Fox Jack-O-Lantern Coral

Scientific Name: Favia sp. (often sold as Jack-O-Lantern Favia)
Common Name: Jason Fox Jack-O-Lantern
Coral Type: LPS Coral

Description

The Jason Fox Jack-O-Lantern Coral is a legendary collector LPS coral known for its intense neon coloration and unmistakable glow. Featuring blazing orange centers contrasted by bright green rims, this coral truly lives up to its name—appearing to glow like a lit jack-o-lantern under blue lighting. Its bold coloration, hardy nature, and strong visual impact make it a standout centerpiece in any reef aquarium.

Growth & Form

This coral grows in a massive/encrusting form with well-defined corallites. Growth is moderate, with new polyps developing along the edges as conditions stabilize. Over time, it can form a striking colony that adds both texture and depth to the aquascape.

Coloration

• Neon orange to fiery red centers

• Bright green or yellow-green rims

• Strong fluorescence under blue and actinic lighting
  Color intensity improves with stable nutrients and proper lighting.

Temperament

Semi-aggressive. Like many LPS corals, the Jack-O-Lantern can extend short sweeper tentacles, especially at night. Adequate spacing from neighboring corals is recommended.

Tank Size

Best suited for medium to large reef aquariums, though it can thrive in smaller systems with stable parameters.

Placement

• Low to mid-level placement

• Best positioned on rockwork or isolated areas with room to expand

• Avoid placing near delicate or aggressive corals

Lighting Requirements

• Low to moderate lighting

• Performs best under LED, T5, or hybrid systems

• Blue spectrum lighting dramatically enhances coloration
  Gradually acclimate to avoid stress or color loss.

Flow Requirements

• Low to moderate flow

• Indirect flow helps keep tissue clean without damaging polyps

• Avoid strong, direct current

Diet & Feeding

While photosynthetic, this coral benefits greatly from supplemental feeding.

• Accepts meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, reef roids, and LPS pellets

• Target feeding 1–2 times per week promotes growth and coloration

Reef Compatibility

• Reef Safe: Yes

• Compatible with most fish and invertebrates

• Requires spacing due to semi-aggressive nature

Care Level

Moderate
This coral is relatively hardy but prefers stable water parameters and consistent care to maintain peak coloration.

Fun Fact

The Jack-O-Lantern Coral is one of Jason Fox’s most iconic named corals, prized by collectors for its unreal glow under actinic lighting. Its intense coloration often appears brighter at night, making it a favorite for evening reef viewing.

Additional Notes

• Best coloration occurs with slightly elevated nutrients

• Nighttime feeding can increase feeding response

• As with all LPS corals, proper acclimation and spacing are key to long-term success