My previous post put me in the mood to learn a little bit more about coral, so I decided to find a species and profile it. I was super excited when I found Candy Cane coral (Caulastrea furcata) because I love Christmas and anything that has to do with Christmas, like candy canes. That is very beside the point, but I thought you guys might like to hear my reasoning for choosing this particular species of coral.
This species of coral is quite common in the wild and grows primarily in the Pacific Ocean of the coast’s of Japan and Australia. The species is commonly related to Trumpet coral, but there are differences in both the size and color of the two corals.
Candy Cane coral can come in several different colors, but usually it is a light brown color with neon green polyp centers. The outside of the polyps are sometimes striped with lighter brown.
Raising Candy Cane coral is actually quite easy. This species of coral requires low water movement and medium to strong lighting. An interesting side-note is that the polyps will expand in the morning before the lights are turned on, making for a very cool sight. This form of coral is not aggressive. Candy Cane coral should be fed weekly a diet of brine shrimp or microplankton.
I’m not going to lie, I’m not as well informed about coral as I’d like to be. If anyone could send me some websites or give me some information that will help me expand my knowledge, I’d surely appreciate it. Any comments posted will be read and responded to accordingly. Have a fan-tabulous day, all!