Nano-Reef.com » Coral Information » Sun Polyps
Sun Polyps
Scientific Name
Tubastarea
Common Names
Orange, Turrent, Orange Sun Polyps,
Sun Polyps, Branching Octopus
Region
Red Sea, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Regions
Lighting
N/A, non-photosynthetic
Aggressiveness
Very low, can be easily stung by more dominate species.
Current
High
Hardiness
Recommended for experienced aquarists only.
Placement
Caves, under overhangs, in low light areas with excellent water flow.
The common name, Sun Polyps, that most local fish stores use on this species is basically an oxymoron. It leads many new aquarists to believe the species needs high light where the exact opposite is actually true. These corals have no symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) in their cells so they need no light at all in order to survive. However, since there is no zooxanthellae present these do corals do need to be fed on a regular basis. Target feeding works best. They relish brine shrimp (soaked in a vitamin compound such as Selcon) and also accept any form of phytoplankton or zooplankton. Only advanced and very serious aquarists should attempt to keep this species as they require more time than the average or beginner aquarist is generally willing or able to provide resulting in many un-needed deaths.
Valetta Clements
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