Favites Flexuosa

Favites Flexuosa key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Size

Colonies to several tens of cm

Temperature

24〜27℃

Diet

Mainly nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae, supplemented with meaty coral foods offered at night.

Lighting

LiveAquaria gives moderate lighting for Favites. Reduce the light at first and raise it to the target position over several weeks.

Flow & Placement

Medium flow. It can sit anywhere from the sand bed to mid-height, but keep other corals out of reach of its sweeper tentacles.

Water Temperature & Quality

Water 24-26C, specific gravity 1.023-1.025, salinity 33-35 ppt, KH 8-12. It consumes calcium and magnesium, so test and replenish them regularly.

Feeding

Most of its nutrition comes from its zooxanthellae. It extends its polyps at night, so meaty coral food after lights-out speeds its growth.

Notes

The corallite outlines are irregular and telling it from its congeners needs a close look at the skeleton; shops often label it with the genus alone. As a scleractinian it is on CITES Appendix II and international trade requires permits.

About Favites Flexuosa

A honeycomb-patterned reef coral known for its hardiness and beginner-friendly care requirements.

7 things to know before welcoming a Favites Flexuosa

1. 1Shared corallite walls

   Its defining trait is the honeycomb-like skeleton where corallite walls are shared with neighbors. The irregular, sometimes short and meandering outlines give each colony its own distinct look.

2. 2Beginner-friendly care

   This species is classified as beginner-friendly, making it approachable even for those new to coral keeping. Consistent basic water quality management is the key to success.

3. 3Wide natural range

   Naturally distributed across a broad range from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Central Pacific. This wide distribution reflects an ability to adapt to varied environmental conditions.

4. 4Grows to tens of centimeters

   Mature colonies can reach tens of centimeters in diameter. Leave adequate space in the tank and keep some distance from neighboring corals when placing it.

5. 5Adjusting light and flow

   As a reef-building coral relying on symbiotic algae for photosynthesis, moderate lighting and gentle water flow help maintain its health. Avoid sudden changes to its environment.

6. 6Spacing from neighbors

   Since its skeletal outline expands irregularly as it grows, it's important to periodically check that it isn't making contact with neighboring corals.

7. 7Listed in CITES Appendix II

   Favites Flexuosa is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Frequently asked questions about Favites Flexuosa

Q.Can beginners keep Favites Flexuosa?

A.Yes, this species is classified as beginner-friendly. With basic water quality management and moderate light and flow, it's approachable even for first-time coral keepers.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Mature colonies can reach tens of centimeters in diameter. It's best to allow ample space and keep some distance from neighboring corals when placing it.

Q.What are its skeletal characteristics?

A.It has a honeycomb-like skeleton with corallite walls shared between neighboring polyps. The outlines are irregular, sometimes forming short, meandering connections.

Q.Where is it found in the wild?

A.It is naturally distributed across a wide range from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Central Pacific, reflecting a strong ability to adapt to varied conditions.

Q.Are any legal procedures required when acquiring one?

A.Favites Flexuosa is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Useful tools for Favites Flexuosa care

Learn more about Favites Flexuosa in the encyclopedia

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