The beautiful Neon Green Cynarina Button Coral, Cynarina lacrymalis is perhaps the most delicate beauty in the coral world. The Cynarina lacrymalis is highly prized due to its hardy nature. They are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, more so than any other member of the Mussidae family. In spite of its delicate appearance, the Cynarina Coral is a hardy large polyp stony (LPS) coral in most aquariums. Cynarina corals come in wonderful mixes of almost any color. Some other names this coral is known for are Doughnut Coral, Modern Coral, Solitary Cup Coral, and Meat Coral. The Cynarina Coral is the largest single polyp coral in nature. They have either a round or oval structure topped with fleshy translucent bubble shaped lobes. The large underlying septa can be visible through the lobes when they are expanded during the daytime. It can be confused with its relatives in the Scolymia genus, like the Fancy Doughnut Coral Scolymia vitiensis. But the Scolymia corals differ in that they do not have large puffy translucent polyps or the large, toothy ridges in the skeletal structure found in the Cynarina species. This wonderful coral makes a prize show piece for both the beginner and the experienced reef keeper.
Difficulty A hardy and easy to care for coral making it a good beginner coral.
Aggressiveness This is a peaceful species, though it does extend feeding sweeper tentacles at night. There needs to be a good amount of space between it and other corals.
Water-flow
It requires a lower water current to allow for full expansion.
Lighting
It requires low to moderate lighting (PAR 50-100). T5's, Metal Halides, or LED's can all grow Scolymia corals when the proper PAR levels are provided. We recommend a 14-20K color spectrum for best coloration.
Tank Recommendations
A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Cynarina Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production, and dissolved organics. It needs to be placed facing upward. A mature tank is recommended.
Diet and Feeding
In captivity,C. lacrymalis does very well being fed pieces of fish, shrimp or other flesh, as well as mysis. Feed at night when tentacles are present, or illicit a feeding response using shrimp or fish juice. When feeding, make sure you feed the entire organism to your coral. For instance, if you have a silverside, chop it up, yet give the entire fish to the coral. This is so it gets all the nutritional elements they need from the whole organism. Feeding several times a week will help them grow faster.
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