Hidden Favites Coral
Favites abdita
Family : Merulinidae
Favites abdita is a massive LPS coral forming hemispherical colonies. It is valued for its hardiness and variable coloration.
Description
This coral forms cerioid to subplocoid colonies with polygonal corallites 5–10 mm in diameter. Septa are regular and walls are thick. Coloration ranges from brown to green, sometimes with purple or red hues. Polyps are retractile and extend at night to capture prey. It is often confused with other Favites species. Growth is slow to moderate. It can reach 30 cm in diameter in aquaria.
Habitat
Region :
Coral reefs, slopes and reef flats
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
Maintain temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity 1.023-1.025. Moderate lighting (PAR 100-200) and moderate flow are recommended. Nitrates should stay below 10 ppm and phosphates below 0.1 ppm. Minimum calcium 400 ppm and magnesium 1200 ppm are required. It can be fed phytoplankton and zooplankton 1-2 times per week. A minimum tank volume of 100 liters is advised. Avoid overly aggressive fish or invertebrates that may damage the polyps.
Similar species
Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance
