Acanthophyllia, Cynarina & Indophyllia Coral Care Guide | LPS Corals

Acanthophyllia, Cynarina & Indophyllia Coral Care Guide

Comprehensive care tips for three of the most stunning large polyp stony (LPS) corals in the reef aquarium hobby.

Overview

Acanthophyllia, Cynarina, and Indophyllia are prized for their vibrant colors, fleshy polyps, and relatively peaceful nature. These LPS corals are ideal for intermediate to advanced reef keepers looking to add dramatic visual appeal to their tanks.

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

Lighting Needs

These corals prefer moderate lighting. Too much intensity can cause bleaching, while too little may stunt growth. Use LED or T5 lighting and place them in shaded or lower areas of the tank if needed.

Water Flow

Low to moderate water flow is ideal. Strong currents can damage their delicate tissue. Ensure gentle, indirect flow to keep detritus from settling while allowing the coral to expand fully.

Placement Tips

Place these corals on the sandbed or a flat rock with plenty of space around them. Their fleshy polyps can expand significantly, and they may sting nearby corals with their sweeper tentacles.

Feeding and Nutrition

While they rely on photosynthesis via zooxanthellae, supplemental feeding enhances growth and coloration. Feed 1–2 times per week with:

Powder Food
Liquid Food
Chopped seafood without scales
Coral-specific frozen foods

Target feeding with a turkey baster or pipette is recommended. Avoid feeding anything with an outer shell that the coral may have difficulty breaking down.

Compatibility and Behavior

These corals are generally peaceful but can extend sweeper tentacles at night. Keep them away from aggressive corals like Euphyllia or Galaxea. Suitable tank mates include:

Clownfish
Gobies
Blennies
Cleaner shrimp

Differences Between Acanthophyllia, Cynarina, and Indophyllia

Coral	Shape	Coloration	Growth Rate
Acanthophyllia	Round, fleshy, often solitary	Bright reds, greens, blues	Slow
Cynarina	Bubble-like, translucent tissue	Pinks, oranges, greens	Moderate
Indophyllia	Similar to Acanthophyllia, more lobed	Multicolor with striations	Slow

Common Issues

Tissue Recession: Often due to poor water quality or excessive flow.
Bleaching: Caused by too much light or stress.
Brown Jelly Disease: A bacterial infection—remove affected tissue and improve tank conditions.

Conclusion

Acanthophyllia, Cynarina, and Indophyllia corals are stunning centerpiece additions to any reef tank. With proper lighting, gentle flow, and regular feeding, these LPS corals will reward you with vibrant color and mesmerizing polyp movement.