Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei)
The Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei) is a spectacular LPS coral known for its large fleshy polyp, long flowing tentacles and incredible movement in the reef aquarium.
When fully extended, an Elegance Coral can become a true centrepiece, with its tentacles gently swaying in the current and creating a soft, flowing appearance that contrasts beautifully against rockwork and other corals.
Care Information
Scientific Name: Catalaphyllia jardinei
Common Name: Elegance Coral
Coral Type: LPS
Care Level: Intermediate
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Recommended PAR: Approximately 75–150
Water Flow: Low to Moderate, gentle and indirect
Placement: Sandbed or very low rockwork
Temperament: Aggressive
Feeding: Photosynthetic with supplemental feeding recommended
Aquarium Placement
Elegance Coral is best positioned on the sandbed or on a low, flat section of rockwork.
Its skeleton naturally has a wedge-like shape, while the fleshy polyp can expand considerably beyond the skeleton once comfortable.
Avoid intense lighting and strong direct flow. Gentle water movement should allow the tentacles to sway naturally without constantly pushing or folding the coral's tissue.
Feeding
Although Elegance Coral receives much of its energy through photosynthesis, occasional target feeding can help maintain strong growth and condition.
Suitable foods include:
- Mysis shrimp
- Enriched brine shrimp
- Finely chopped marine seafood
- LPS coral foods
- Other appropriately sized meaty foods
Feeding once or twice per week is generally plenty.
Give It Plenty of Space
Elegance Coral can extend long sweeper tentacles capable of stinging neighbouring corals.
Allow plenty of clearance around the coral – ideally at least 15 cm or more – and take its considerable expansion into account when choosing a permanent position.
Recommended Water Parameters
For best results, maintain stable reef conditions around:
Calcium: 420–440 ppm
Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
Stable salinity, temperature and nutrient levels are equally important. Elegance Corals perform best in mature, consistent reef systems rather than aquariums experiencing frequent parameter swings.
With its long flowing tentacles, impressive polyp extension and unmistakable presence, the Elegance Coral is one of the most impressive feature LPS corals available for a suitably established reef aquarium.
Colour, tentacle pattern, shape and size may vary between individual specimens.
