Source: Wikimedia Commons
Candy Cane Coral
BeginnerCaulastrea furcata
LPS with round head-shaped polyps resembling candy canes. Hardy, easy to keep, and colorful. Ideal for LPS beginners.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
24〜27℃
Lifespan
10+ years with proper care
Diet
Photosynthesis + optional feeding
About
Candy cane coral (Caulastraea furcata, family Merulinidae) is named for the green and white striped pattern on its large circular corallites, which branch regularly to form sizable colonies. Found on reef slopes and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific, it is among the most beginner-friendly LPS corals, thriving under low to moderate lighting (100–200 PAR) with gentle flow. Polyps inflate during the day and retract at night. It responds well to target feeding of brine shrimp or copepods one to two times per week, accelerating colony growth. Its low aggression toward neighboring corals makes it easy to integrate into community reef tanks.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
reef slopes and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific
Lifespan
10+ years with proper care
Temperature
24〜27℃
Diet
Photosynthesis + optional feeding
Care Guide
Lighting
Low to moderate
Flow
Gentle flow
Feeding
Mysis shrimp accelerates growth
Propagation
New heads multiply by splitting
Notes
Avoid strong light and direct flow
LPS entryHardyColorfulBeginner-friendly
Candy Cane Coral FAQ
QHow difficult is it to keep Candy Cane Coral?
A
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Candy Cane Coral?
A
The ideal temperature for Candy Cane Coral is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Candy Cane Coral?
A
The average lifespan of Candy Cane Coral is 10+ years with proper care. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
QWhat should I feed Candy Cane Coral?
A
Candy Cane Coral feeds on: Photosynthesis + optional feeding. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
QWhat is the typical price for Candy Cane Coral?
A
The price of Candy Cane Coral varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Browse Coral ListingsRelated Articles
Complete Beginner's Guide to Coral Keeping
Everything you need to start keeping corals: essential equipment, water quality management, and recommended beginner species.
Coral Types & Selection Guide
From soft corals vs. LPS vs. SPS to difficulty-rated recommendations and buying tips — the comprehensive coral selection guide.
Setting Up Your First Coral Tank — Step by Step
A step-by-step guide to setting up a coral tank from scratch: equipment selection, live rock placement, water cycling, and coral introduction.
Coral Frags 101 — Basics of Fragment Trading
What coral frags are, how they're cut, buying tips, and how to grow them out — a beginner's guide to the popular frag trade.