The Micronesian Torch Coral Euphyllia glabrescens, Aquacultured by ORA®, is a branching, large polyp stony coral. From its stony skeleton comes a beautiful color morph with tentacles in a pleasing shade of purple and brilliant turquoise-green tips that inject wonderful color to reef rockwork. This tough variety has been cultured for years, making the transition into a home aquarium much easier than a wild collected colony. This is a great entry level coral for beginners.
What do Torch Corals look like? The tentacles of the Torch Coral are straight with no branching and are generally very long and thin, eliminating the use for sweeper tentacles. When feeding, the individual tentacles can elongate 2 to 3 times their normal state.
Difficulty A moderately easy coral to keep, as long as you provide the parameters listed below.
Aggressiveness Be cautious, while the Torch Coral does not have toxins, they have tentacles which are capable of delivering a sting to any coral invading its space. Just provide a few inches of space between it and any other corals.
Water-flow
It prefers Moderate water flow level..
Lighting
It prefers medium to high lighting levels (PAR 100-250). T5's, Metal Halides, or LED's can all grow fungia plate corals when the proper PAR levels are provided. We recommend a 14-20K color spectrum for best coloration.
Tank Recommendations
Place at the bottom of the aquarium.
Diet and Feeding
The Torch Coral can be a little harder to care for than other Euphyllia spp., but making sure it is well fed will help ensure its success. We recommend feeding cyclopeeze, micro-plankton, brine shrimp, frozen mysis. Feed at night when tentacles are present. Feeding several times a week will help them grow faster, and keep them healthy.
Propagation
To propagate you first you need to choose a healthy coral that is not showing any signs of distress. Propagation should be done with an electric saw at least 1 1/2" to 2" away from the top. Do not use a bone crusher or scissors, since they will splinter the skeleton and harm the polyp. Glue the frag to a plug or rock. You can use the 2-part epoxy or underwater putties.The slime that the coral will exude should not come in contact with any other corals and gloves are suggested. Give the frag ample water flow.
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