Torch Coral (LPS) (Euphyllia glabrescens)
| Torch Coral (LPS) Euphyllia glabrescens | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Torch Coral (LPS) |
| Name Lat. | Euphyllia glabrescens |
| Family | Hammer Corals |
| Family lat. | Euphylliidae |
| Order | Stony Corals |
| Order lat. | Scleractinia |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
| Diet | Autotrophic, planktivore |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Hardness | 8-12 °KH |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Current | Moderate |
| Behavior | Aggressive |
| Keeping | Colony |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10 cm |
| Temperature | 24-27 °C |
| Salinity | 33-36 ‰ |
| Aquarium | 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3.9" |
| Temperature | 75-81 °F |
| Salinity | 1.020-1.025 sg |
| Aquarium | 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Euphyllia glabrescens belongs to the group of LPS (Large Polyp Scleractinia). This reef-building coral is widely distributed in the tropical Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. They occur in different colors and growth forms according to their species and origin.
Maintenance
They should be positioned in a place with medium light intensity and moderate, alternating current. Only lime-rich, heavy metal-free substrates should be used as substrate
Filters, skimmers and heaters are necessary to ensure water quality, as well as pumps to simulate tides, swells and bottom currents. It is recommended that live stones be used to set up the aquarium. The bacteria living in the porous stones act as a biological filter. The lighting must correspond to the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals
| Salinity: 33-36 ‰ | pH value: 8.1-8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °KH | Nitrate content: 2-8 mg/l |
| calcium content: 420-450 mg/l | Nitrite content: 0.0-0.05 mg/l |
| Magnesium content: 1.250-1.350 mg/l | phosphate content: 0.01-0.1 mg/l |
Regular addition of trace elements, especially calcium, magnesium and strontium is recommended. For salinity, an average value should be aimed for, which may only vary slightly by +/- 0.5 ‰. Ammonia and ammonium must not be measurable. Special attention shall be paid to consistently good water quality and water values.
Diet
Zooxanthellae, which are unicellular symbiotic algae, live in their tissue and provide them with assimilation products of their photosynthesis (high light requirement). The zooxanthellae promote growth and provide additional food to the plankton and small particles that are collected in large quantities from the water current. Thus, in addition to the food produced in the aquarium during fish feeding (mysis, krill, Artemia, etc.), commercially available supplementary food in the form of phyto- and zooplankton should be offered regularly
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should not be kept with fish that consider their polyps food (e.g., angelfish or butterflyfish). Since they are strongly nettled and can expand very much mostly at night, a sufficiently large distance to other corals must be maintained.
Reproduction and breeding
In nature, reproduction occurs sexually via marine larval stages. Reproduction by formation of daughter colonies (budding) is also possible. In the aquarium it can be propagated well by careful division.
Species protection
Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.
Important
The additional illumination with Actinic-Light (short-wave, violet-blue light) is very beneficial for their growth (zooxanthellae). For the necessary uniform supply of calcium carbonate and magnesium, a calcium reactor and a magnesium metering pump are recommended. They are sensitive to touch. Too high temperature, insufficient lighting or flow as well as sudden change of water values can lead to tissue decay (RTN - rapid tissue necrosis). When purchasing, look for pressure marks or other tissue damage. Newly introduced animals must be acclimated slowly to the water in the aquarium
If different species are kept together, make sure that fish and invertebrates match each other in terms of water quality and temperature requirements as well as their social behavior, and that the setup meets the ecological needs of all species kept together
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: FOSSÁ & NILSEN (1995): Korallenriff-Aquarium Bd. 4, Birgit Schmettkamp Verlag; ENGELMANN & LANGE (Hrsg.) 2011: Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Verlag Harri Deutsch