Source: Wikimedia Commons
Branching Cyphastrea
IntermediateCyphastrea decadia
A branching Cyphastrea with Acropora-like axial corallites. It forms compact branches on reef slopes and open, fragile colonies on soft bottoms. Brown, grey or cream, and quite unlike the massive C. serailia.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
24〜27℃
Size
Up to about 25 cm
Diet
Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus fine particulate food
About
Cyphastrea decadia is a stony coral of the family Merulinidae described in 1984 from the Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia; WoRMS records it from the central Indo-Pacific. While most Cyphastrea are massive or encrusting, this species branches and bears Acropora-like axial corallites. On upper reef slopes its branches are compact; on soft substrates they are more open and the colony is fragile. It has 10-12 primary septa and weakly developed costae, and is brown, grey or cream (Corals of the World). It lives in a wide range of reef environments, especially lagoons. Corals of the World lists no similar species, and C. serailia, also on this site, forms massive to encrusting colonies with smooth or hillocky surfaces, so the branching form separates them. It is rated moderately easy, takes fine particulate food and plankton, and is easy to propagate (Reeflex). In Japan large online retailers offer it by name.
Size of the Branching Cyphastrea
The Branching Cyphastrea grows to Up to about 25 cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Branching Cyphastrea
The ideal temperature for the Branching Cyphastrea is 24〜27℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Reefs of the central Indo-Pacific, especially lagoons
Size
Up to about 25 cm
Temperature
24〜27℃
Diet
Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus fine particulate food
Care Specifications
- Water Temp.
- 24–27℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.023–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
- Min. Tank
- 200 L
LPS
Sources: Corals of the World (Cyphastrea decadia) / Reeflex (Cyphastrea decadia) / AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES listing of Cyphastrea decadia)
- Okinawa Prefecture: Collection of reef-building corals is prohibited
- Tokyo Metropolitan Fisheries Adjustment Regulations (Arts. 37 and 41)
- e-Gov: Natural Parks Act (Art. 22, marine park zones)
- Corals of the World (Cyphastrea decadia)
- Reeflex (Cyphastrea decadia)
- AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101
- WoRMS
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Cyphastrea decadia Moll & Best, 1984
Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · Corals of the World
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix IIIUCN LC · Least Concern
Domestic law: Collecting in Japanese waters is governed by each prefecture's fisheries adjustment regulations, which differ by prefecture. Okinawa bans all collection of reef-building corals, including stony corals, and also bans possessing or selling illegally collected corals (cultured corals are exempt, and the prefecture advises buyers to confirm a coral is cultured, on an artificial base or tagged). Tokyo bans collection in the waters off Ogasawara Village. In marine park zones of national and quasi-national parks, taking designated animals and plants requires a permit (Natural Parks Act, Art. 22).
All stony corals (Scleractinia) are listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires export permits, but no registration is needed to sell or transfer specimens within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing of Cyphastrea decadia) / Okinawa Prefecture: Collection of reef-building corals is prohibited / Tokyo Metropolitan Fisheries Adjustment Regulations (Arts. 37 and 41) / e-Gov: Natural Parks Act (Art. 22, marine park zones)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Branching Cyphastrea Listings
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