Description
Favia sp., commonly referred to as Favia Coral, is a hardy and visually engaging large-polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its dense skeletal structure and vividly colored corallites. Often displaying contrasting centers and walls in shades of green, red, orange, blue, or metallic hues, Favia forms classic “brain-like” colonies that add texture and depth to reef aquariums. Its durability and adaptability make it a reliable choice for both established mixed reefs and LPS-dominant systems.
Native to the Indo-Pacific, Favia corals grow as encrusting to massive colonies and are valued for their strong feeding response and long-term stability when maintained under consistent conditions.
Lighting: Low to moderate (50–150 PAR); adapts well to a range of reef lighting, with coloration enhanced under blue-spectrum LEDs
Flow: Low to moderate; prefers gentle, indirect flow to prevent tissue recession while allowing waste removal
Placement: Bottom to mid-level areas on rockwork or substrate with sufficient clearance from neighboring corals
Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
Calcium: 420–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
Nutrients: Moderate; stable nitrate and phosphate levels support healthy tissue and coloration
Feeding: Photosynthetic but benefits from target feeding 1–2 times weekly with mysis shrimp, reef roids, or finely minced meaty foods to promote growth and vibrancy
Aggression: Moderate; extends sweeper tentacles at night—allow 5–10 cm spacing from other corals
Growth Rate: Moderate; forms dense, encrusting to massive colonies over time
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate – hardy and forgiving, making it suitable for most established reef aquariums
Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; compatible with most reef inhabitants when adequate spacing is provided
