Turbinaria Cup Coral
The Turbinaria Cup Coral is a distinctive stony coral known for its unusual cup, plate and scrolling growth forms. As the colony matures, it can develop impressive layered shapes that add structure and height to a reef aquascape.
Turbinaria is generally considered relatively hardy once established, making it a great option for reef keepers looking for a structural coral without stepping into some of the more demanding branching species.
Care Information
Scientific Name: Turbinaria sp.
Common Names: Cup Coral, Scroll Coral, Vase Coral, Turban Coral
Coral Type: Stony Coral
Care Level: Moderate
Lighting: Moderate
Water Flow: Moderate to Strong, indirect
Placement: Lower to middle areas of the aquarium
Temperament: Generally Peaceful
Growth Form: Cup / Plate / Scroll
Aquarium Placement
Turbinaria Cup Coral performs well under moderate reef lighting with consistent water movement.
Good flow is particularly important with cup-shaped colonies, as debris can otherwise collect within the centre of the coral. Aim for turbulent or indirect movement that keeps the surface clean without continually blasting the polyps from one direction.
Allow plenty of room around the colony for future growth, as Turbinaria can develop broad plates or scrolling sections as it matures.
Feeding
Turbinaria receives much of its energy through photosynthesis but can also benefit from supplemental feeding.
Suitable foods include:
- Fine coral foods
- Zooplankton
- Small meaty marine foods
- Fine mysis or brine shrimp
- Suspended reef foods
Occasional feeding can help support healthy growth and polyp extension.
Stable Reef Parameters
As a calcifying stony coral, Turbinaria requires stable reef conditions with particular attention to:
- Calcium
- Alkalinity
- Magnesium
- Salinity
- Temperature
- Nitrate and phosphate
Maintaining consistent parameters is more important than constantly chasing exact numbers.
With its unique cup-shaped growth, textured surface and impressive structural form, Turbinaria Cup Coral is an excellent choice for adding a different shape and dimension to an established reef aquarium.
Colour, shape and colony size may vary between individual specimens.
