Caulastrea: Also Known as Trumpet, Cat's Eye or Candy Cane Coral

This species of coral is a very common coral that is kept by many reef fanatics. Thought the coloration and pattern may be somewhat different, the ease in which to keep this coral remains pretty much the same. Caulastrea looks very similar in appearance to that of some of the larger brain corals such as Scolymia or Cynarina only much smaller.

The calcareous calcium skeleton is very lightweight and phaceloid(tall separate corallites rise above the skeleton-corallum) in appearance with a very distinct and developed septa. Often times the polyps of caulastrea are a translucent, green, teal, cream or brown color with bright stripes running through it from the center of the polyp out to the rim. The overall color composition of caulastrea make one think of a candy cane, thus the common name given to this stony coral. The vast array of contrasting color combinations makes this a very unique and welcome addition to a reef tank.

Mainly found in sandy bottom areas such as lagoons and other protected waters, caulastrea corals are, however, able to withstand a variety of lighting schemes. Indirect lighting and a moderate water flow will offer these corals the best overall success as far as color intensity and polyp extension. Recession is often the case with the keeping of this coral under intense halide lighting and water flow, therefore care should be provided in placing the coral in the optimal place within a reef tank. One nice thing about this coral and similar coral species, is the fact that if one coral head of the caulastrea colony is infected with a bacteria or disease, it can easily be broken off and removed without affecting the colony as a whole. The same can be said with the propagating of this coral. Budding of individual corallites is often evident in the mother colony as a sexual means of reproduction. Polyp division can be increased with the proper water flow rate, though this could take some time in adjusting the flow for the best success.