Pavona

Pavona (family Agariciidae) encompasses a diverse group of SPS corals spread across Indo-Pacific reef systems, adopting growth forms from thin plates and leafy sheets to domed mounds, often shaped by prevailing light and current conditions. Dense fields of tiny star-shaped polyps cover the skeleton surface in brown, green, and pink tones. Pavona is notably more tolerant of water quality fluctuations than Acropora, making it a popular transitional coral for hobbyists moving into SPS keeping. Moderate lighting (100–250 PAR) and moderate flow support healthy growth without demanding the precision of more sensitive SPS. Standard parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–440 ppm) are sufficient. Growth rate is moderate to fast, with colonies encrusting surrounding rockwork steadily. Aggression toward neighbors is minimal. Fragging by breaking or cutting is easy, and cut surfaces heal rapidly. An excellent foundational SPS for building reef aquascape structure.

Photosynthesis