Pumpkin Patch Cyphastrea

Pumpkin Patch Cyphastrea: The Orange and Green Delight

The Pumpkin Patch Cyphastrea (Cyphastrea species) is a highly attractive and distinctive Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral, celebrated for its unique coloration that evokes the Halloween season. This specific strain is characterized by a bright, vibrant orange base that is thickly scattered with contrasting neon green or sometimes yellow polyps. The combination of orange and green makes it a standout piece.

The Pumpkin Patch Cyphastrea is an excellent encrusting coral, spreading quickly over rockwork in a massive and plating morphology. Its bright, fluorescent colors are easily maintained under moderate light intensity and stable, clean water conditions. It offers beautiful color and texture, often placed on vertical or shaded surfaces where it can still thrive.

This coral is considered Easy to Moderate in care. It is highly tolerant of varying flow and light conditions and is significantly hardier than more delicate SPS genera, making it a great choice for hobbyists transitioning into hard corals.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic but is also an opportunistic Carnivore. It relies on zooxanthellae for most of its energy but actively feeds, often extending its polyps both day and night.
• Feeding: Supplemental target feeding is highly beneficial for supporting rapid growth and vibrant coloration. The polyps are large and receptive to fine particulate foods. Feed 2-3 times per week with fine foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders like Reef Roids and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Passive. Cyphastrea species are non-aggressive and do not possess long, potent sweeper tentacles. However, as an encrusting coral, ensure that aggressive LPS species (like Euphyllia or Chalices) are placed far enough away to prevent them from stinging the growing edge.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It thrives best on mid-to-lower rockwork where it receives moderate light and moderate, non-turbulent water flow.
• 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 8.0-10.0), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm). Demands Moderate PAR lighting (100-250 PAR).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cyphastrea sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Pumpkin Patch Cyphastrea
• Other Common Names: Orange Base Green Polyp Cyphastrea, Pumpkin Cyphastrea
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can encrust indefinitely; forms large, plating sheets.
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, non-aggressive option for rockwork)
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate