Description
Cynarina Coral (Cynarina lacrymalis)
Often called the Button Coral, Meat Coral, or Cat's Eye Coral, Cynarina lacrymalis is a large-polyp stony (LPS) coral prized for its inflated fleshy tissue, vibrant colors, and dramatic expansion. Available in shades of red, pink, green, orange, yellow, purple, and rainbow combinations, it can expand several times larger than its skeleton during the day.
Lighting
Low to moderate lighting
(50–150 PAR recommended)
Placement (Aquarium Zone)
Lower reef / sandbed
Best placed on a soft sandbed where its tissue cannot be damaged by sharp rock.
Temperature
24–27°C (75–81°F)
Salinity
1.024–1.026 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–10 dKH
Calcium
420–450 ppm
Magnesium
1280–1380 ppm
Flow
Low to moderate, indirect flow
Strong flow can cause tissue recession and prevent full expansion.
Diet
Photosynthetic + supplemental feeding
Benefits from:
Mysis shrimp
Reef Roids
Chopped shrimp
Krill
LPS pellet foods
Amino acid supplements (such as Reef Energy AB+)
Adult Size (up to)
~15–20 cm (6–8 inches) expanded
Exceptional specimens may exceed this size.
Care Level
Intermediate
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive
Reef-safe with proper spacing
Can extend feeder tentacles at night
Keep 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) away from neighboring corals
Compatible with most reef fish
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate
