Mint Chip Pavona

Mint Chip Pavona: The Green and Brown Cactus Coral

The Mint Chip Pavona (Pavona species) is a distinctive and durable collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Pavona species, often referred to as "Cactus Corals" or "Lettuce Corals," are highly prized for their unique texture, resilience, and striking colors when properly cared for.

This specific strain is named "Mint Chip" for its resemblance to the ice cream flavor. It typically features a base tissue that ranges from light brown, tan, or deep forest green. This base color is heavily contrasted by numerous, often sparse, polyps in a vibrant neon green or mint green. The small, bright green polyps scattered across the darker base tissue create the signature "chip" effect.

The Mint Chip Pavona commonly grows in an encrusting, plating, or scrolling morphology. It is considered an Easy to Moderate care SPS coral, often cited as one of the hardiest SPS options available. It requires consistent water chemistry, moderate to high light, and ample water flow to maintain its rapid growth and brilliant polyp extension.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving most energy from symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae) but is also an opportunistic Carnivore.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is recommended and highly beneficial for accelerating growth and enhancing color. Its small polyps readily capture fine particulate foods. Target feed 2-3 times per week with very fine foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Semi-Aggressive. While Pavona does not extend long sweeper tentacles, it is an aggressive encruster. It will rapidly grow over rockwork and can sting and grow over adjacent, slower-moving corals. Proper spacing is essential to prevent territorial disputes.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Semi-Aggressive/Competitive toward other corals. It should be positioned on mid-level rockwork where it receives Moderate to High PAR lighting (150-350 PAR) and strong, non-laminar, turbulent water flow to prevent detritus buildup in its folds and ensure proper nutrient exchange.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with low to moderate nutrient levels (Nitrate < 10 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pavona sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Mint Chip Pavona
• Other Common Names: Mint Chip Cactus Coral, Green Polyp Pavona
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can form large encrusting/scrolling colonies (12+ inches in diameter)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (Highly encrusting and competitive)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons (Established SPS or Mixed Reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, hardy SPS option, but give it space)
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate