ECC Hybrid Hydnophora

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Coral Type: SPS (Small Polyp Stony)
• Lighting Requirement: Medium (150-250 PAR)
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Placement: Rockwork
• Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4"

Overview

The ECC Hybrid Hydnophora features a beautiful tricolor body with has teal, purple, and gold/green tentacles depending on its lighting.

It forms dense branches with minimal encrusting and should be placed away from other corals due to its aggressive stinging behavior. It's widely considered an SPS coral, but acts like an LPS coral in many ways.

Note: This is not a WYSIWYG listing. Photo is a representation of the shape, size, and color of the coral you will receive.

Water Parameters

Corals thrive in stable water conditions with regular water changes. Corals with a hard skeleton, like this one, will require calcium and alkalinity dosing to maintain healthy growth. Routine water testing helps ensure these needs are consistently met.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.025-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 1-20ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

Hydnophora corals usually prefer medium light areas of the aquarium, ideally in the 150-250 PAR range, but can be acclimated to lighting conditions slightly below or above this range. If you need to place it in a higher light area, it's best to acclimate it gradually over the course of a few weeks to avoid stress.

For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is invaluable for fine-tuning light levels across different corals, helping ensure each coral gets the right intensity for its needs.

Ideal Tank Placement

This coral is most often placed directly on the rockwork where it has access to moderate flow light. Give it some room to grow as it can sting neighboring corals.

Water Flow Requirements

Moderate water flow is ideal. Make sure the tissue of the coral is gently moving and avoid excessive flow that push the tissue against the skeleton.

Aggressiveness and Compatibility

Hydnophora corals can be rather aggressive and will sting any coral it comes into direct contact with. Ensure there is enough space between it and its neighbors to prevent conflicts.

Feeding and Nutrition

This coral primarily relies on photosynthesis for energy, but can benefit from occasional feedings with coral foods such as Reef Chili and amino acids like CoralAmino to enhance its growth and coloration.

Growth Rate and Pattern

Hydnophora are moderate growers that will encrust over the surrounding rockwork over time.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation is essential for corals to adjust to their new environment. For a full step-by-step process, refer to our Coral Acclimation Guide.