Description

War Coral (Favites spp. or Favia spp. – often mislabeled interchangeably) is a colorful and hardy large polyp stony (LPS) coral, popular for its dramatic appearance and relatively easy care. It’s named “War Coral” due to its intense, often clashing colors that resemble a battlefield of red, green, orange, and sometimes neon hues.

🌈 Description

• Appearance:

  • Encrusting or dome-shaped growth.

  • Bold color combinations—commonly red base with green, orange, or neon mouths.

  • Large, fleshy polyps with clearly defined corallites.

  • Surface may appear bumpy or ridged.

• Size: Can grow several inches across over time, depending on space and care.

• Aggression: Highly aggressive—long sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals at night.

📍 Placement in Aquarium

• Avoid direct blast from powerheads.

• Leave space between it and other corals due to stinging tentacles.

💡 Lighting

• Moderate to high intensity.

• Can adapt to a range of lighting conditions, but color is often best under blue/actinic spectrum.

• Acclimate slowly to higher light to avoid bleaching.

💧 Water Parameters

• Stable conditions are critical for coral health and coloration.

• Keep nutrients low but not zero to prevent starvation.

🍽️ Feeding

• Photosynthetic, but benefits greatly from target feeding.

• Feed at night (when polyps are extended) with:

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Reef roids

  • Marine snow

  • Other fine coral foods

• 2–3 times per week feeding promotes growth and vibrant color.

⚔️ Aggression & Compatibility

• Very aggressive coral—has sweeper tentacles that extend at night.

• Keep at least 3–6 inches away from neighboring corals.

• Avoid placing next to other LPS like Acanthastrea, Frogspawn, or Chalice corals unless there’s ample space.

✂️ Fragging & Growth

• Grows slowly but steadily under optimal conditions.

• Can be fragged using a bandsaw or coral snips—cut between corallites to avoid damage.

• Encrusting growth may take over nearby rocks if allowed.

✅ Pros

• Hardy and adaptable.

• Great coloration.

• Pest-resistant.

• Ideal for beginners moving into LPS coral care.

⚠️ Watch For

• Bleaching under too much light without acclimation.

• Tissue recession from unstable parameters or pest damage.

• Aggression toward neighboring corals.

War Coral is a beautiful, resilient showpiece coral ideal for LPS lovers who want bold color and minimal fuss—just give it space, stable water, and occasional feedin