WYSIWYG LPS Favia Frag

WYSIWYG Favia Frag

Available for Local Pickup in store

 

Scientific Name: Favia spp.
 

Appearance

Favia corals are known for their distinct, geometric corallite patterns, often resembling honeycombs or brain-like ridges. They come in a variety of colors, including greens, blues, purples, oranges, and reds, often with contrasting mouths that make each polyp stand out. When healthy, the polyps extend during feeding or at night, giving a textured, vibrant appearance.

 

Size

• Individual polyps: ~0.5–2 cm in diameter.

• Colony growth: Slow to moderate; colonies may reach 10–30 cm over several years in optimal conditions.

• Frag size: Typically sold in 1–3 polyp frags or small chips.

 

Temperament & Reef Compatibility

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive. Favia corals have sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals at night.

• Reef Compatibility: Best placed with adequate spacing from other LPS corals or soft corals to prevent stinging. Avoid placing too close to delicate corals like Acropora or Montipora.

 

Lighting Requirements

• Moderate lighting is preferred.

• Can adapt to low or high light but may adjust color and growth rate.

• Suitable for T5, LED, or metal halide setups.

• Avoid sudden changes in intensity to prevent bleaching.

 

Flow Requirements

• Moderate water flow is ideal.

• Avoid very strong, direct flow that can damage polyps.

• Gentle turbulence ensures debris is removed from corallites and helps deliver nutrients during feeding.

 

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

• Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

• Nitrate: <10 ppm, Phosphate: <0.03 ppm

Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for long-term health and vibrant coloration.

 

Feeding & Nutrition

• Photosynthetic: Favia corals host zooxanthellae, which provide energy through photosynthesis.

• Supplemental Feeding: Benefits from occasional target feeding. Recommended foods:

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Brine shrimp

  • Coral-specific LPS powders or liquid foods

  • Phytoplankton or rotifers (for very small polyps)

• Feed 1–2 times per week for optimal growth and coloration.

 

Placement in Aquarium

• Lower to middle regions of the tank for moderate lighting.

• Place on a stable rock base to allow expansion of polyps.

• Provide enough space (2–3 inches) from other corals to avoid stings.

• Can be moved gradually to different light zones if desired.

 

Growth & Propagation

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.

• Propagation: Commonly propagated via fragging:

  • Use a bone cutter or diamond saw to cut colony sections.

  • Attach frags to plugs or rock using coral-safe epoxy.

• Fragged pieces may take a few weeks to reattach and show healthy polyp extension.

 

Behavior & Observations

• Polyps extend mostly at night or during feeding periods.

• Slight retraction during the day is normal.

• Watch for signs of stress: retracted polyps, fading color, or tissue recession.

• Susceptible to pests like flatworms, nudibranchs, or algae overgrowth.

 

Maintenance Tips

• Regularly check water parameters and perform weekly or biweekly water changes.

• Monitor for algae or detritus accumulation in corallites.

• Quarantine new frags before introducing to display tank.

• Consider supplementation with trace elements like iodine and strontium for vibrant coloration.