
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tubastraea sp.
Vivid orange non-photosynthetic coral. Grown entirely through feeding. Stunning full polyp extension at night.
Sun coral (genus Tubastraea, family Dendrophylliidae) is an azooxanthellate cup coral containing no symbiotic algae and therefore deriving all nutrition from active predation rather than photosynthesis. Its brilliant orange, yellow, or black polyps open like flowers to capture plankton, making it one of the most visually striking corals for shaded tank positions where photosynthetic corals cannot thrive. Native to reef walls and slopes of the Indo-Pacific, it often colonizes overhangs and cave ceilings. Successful husbandry demands frequent target feeding (three to five times weekly) with brine shrimp, mysis, or plankton, pausing flow to allow polyp extension during meals.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Sun Coral lives 10+ years with proper care.
The ideal temperature for the Sun Coral is 22〜27℃.
Origin
reef walls, slopes, and cave ceilings of the Indo-Pacific
Lifespan
10+ years with proper care
Temperature
22〜27℃
Mysis/brine shrimp (daily or every other day feeding)
Sources: AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101
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.
Stone Coral Order (Tubastraea, Dendrophylliidae). Though commonly called 'Coral Anemone,' its scientific classification is Stone Coral Order = CITES Appendix II.
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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It is non-photosynthetic and has no zooxanthellae, so it needs no lighting. It does not require strong light and can be placed behind rocks or in shade.
Provide moderate flow. In the wild it forms colonies on the undersides of rocks and in caves, so place it in shade or under an overhang.
When feeding, stop the flow, confirm the polyps have opened, then offer brine shrimp, daphnia or plankton.
Keep the water at 22-27C. Heavy feeding fouls the water easily, so maintain quality with frequent water changes.
Neglecting feeding leads to decline and death. It gets all its nutrition by capturing food, so if the polyps stay closed for days, review your feeding method.
Daily or every other day feeding required. Labor-intensive
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Sun Coral is 22〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Sun Coral is 10+ years with proper care. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Sun Coral feeds on: Mysis/brine shrimp (daily or every other day feeding). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Sun Coral varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026