When I first encountered Favia brain coral at a local reef shop, its mesmerizing patterns and vibrant colors immediately caught my attention. These stunning large polyp stony (LPS) corals have become increasingly popular in the reef keeping community, and for good reason. Their relatively hardy nature combined with their striking appearance makes them an excellent choice for both intermediate and experienced reef aquarists.
What makes Favia brain coral particularly interesting is the recent scientific reclassification that has changed how we understand these corals. Many specimens previously labeled as Favia are now classified under the genus Dipsastraea, following extensive taxonomic research published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. This reclassification doesn't change how we care for these corals, but it does highlight the evolving nature of marine biology and our understanding of coral taxonomy.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll share everything you need to know about successfully keeping Favia brain coral in your reef tank. We'll cover the essential care parameters, feeding strategies, placement considerations, and troubleshooting tips that will help your Favia thrive. Whether you're considering your first Favia or looking to improve your current coral's health, this guide provides the practical knowledge you need.
Understanding Favia Brain Coral: Taxonomy and Classification
The taxonomic classification of Favia brain coral has undergone significant changes in recent years. According to the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), many corals previously classified as Favia have been reclassified into different genera, with Dipsastraea being the most common reassignment. This revision came after extensive molecular and morphological studies that revealed the previous Favia genus was actually a collection of distinct evolutionary lineages.
The current scientific classification places these corals in the family Merulinidae, order Scleractinia. The most commonly kept species in aquariums include Dipsastraea favus (formerly Favia favus), Dipsastraea speciosa, and Dipsastraea pallida. Understanding this classification helps when researching care requirements or purchasing corals, as vendors may still use the older Favia designation.
These corals are found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the central Pacific Ocean. In their natural habitat, they typically inhabit shallow reef slopes and lagoons at depths ranging from 3 to 40 meters. This wide distribution range explains their adaptability to various lighting and flow conditions in captivity.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
Favia brain corals display distinctive corallite structures that make them relatively easy to identify. Each polyp sits within its own distinct corallite wall, creating a honeycomb-like appearance when viewed from above. This characteristic distinguishes them from similar-looking corals like Favites, where corallites share common walls. The individual corallites typically measure between 8 to 15 millimeters in diameter, depending on the species.
The color variations in Favia brain corals are truly spectacular. I've seen specimens ranging from deep greens and browns to vibrant reds, oranges, and even multicolored combinations. The oral disc often displays a contrasting color to the corallite walls, creating stunning patterns especially under actinic lighting. Some particularly prized varieties feature rainbow coloration with multiple colors present in a single colony.
Growth patterns in Favia corals typically follow either massive or encrusting forms. Massive forms develop into dome-shaped colonies that can reach impressive sizes in mature reef tanks, while encrusting forms spread horizontally across rock surfaces. Growth rates are moderate, with healthy colonies adding approximately 1-2 centimeters of diameter per year under optimal conditions.
Essential Water Parameters for Favia Success
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for Favia brain coral health. These corals thrive in conditions that mimic their natural reef environment. Temperature should be maintained between 75-79°F (24-26°C), with minimal daily fluctuations. I use a reliable heater controller to maintain consistency, as temperature swings can stress the coral and lead to tissue recession.
Alkalinity levels should remain between 8-11 dKH, with 9 dKH being ideal for most Favia species. Calcium levels need to stay within 400-450 ppm to support skeletal growth. Magnesium plays a supporting role and should be maintained at 1250-1350 ppm. I test these parameters weekly and make small adjustments as needed rather than large corrections that could shock the coral.
Salinity should remain stable at 1.025-1.026 specific gravity. Nitrate levels between 5-10 ppm and phosphate levels between 0.03-0.08 ppm provide sufficient nutrients without promoting nuisance algae growth. Unlike some more demanding SPS corals, Favia actually benefit from slightly elevated nutrient levels, which support their zooxanthellae and enhance coloration.
Lighting Requirements and Recommendations
Favia brain corals are remarkably adaptable when it comes to lighting, thriving under moderate light conditions. PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) values between 100-250 work well for most specimens, with 150-200 PAR being optimal. I've found that placing Favia in the lower to middle regions of the tank under LED or T5 lighting systems produces the best results.
Light acclimation is critical when introducing a new Favia to your system. Start the coral in a lower light area and gradually move it to its final position over 2-3 weeks. This slow acclimation prevents light shock and allows the zooxanthellae to adjust to your specific lighting conditions. Watch for signs of too much light, such as bleaching or tissue retraction during peak lighting hours.
The spectrum of light also influences coral coloration. Blue wavelengths (420-460nm) enhance fluorescent pigments, while adding some white light (6500-10000K) brings out natural colors and supports photosynthesis. Many successful reef keepers run a combination of blue and white channels, with a higher proportion of blue light during viewing hours.
Water Flow and Placement Strategies
Moderate water flow is ideal for Favia brain corals. Too little flow allows detritus to settle on the coral's surface, potentially leading to tissue irritation and brown jelly disease. Conversely, excessive flow can prevent polyp extension and interfere with feeding. I aim for enough flow to gently sway the polyp tentacles when extended without causing them to retract.
When selecting placement in your reef tank, consider both lighting and flow requirements. The bottom third of the tank often provides ideal conditions, with moderate light and flow. Ensure the coral has adequate space around it, as Favia can extend sweeper tentacles at night that reach several inches beyond the colony edge. These sweeper tentacles pack a powerful sting and will damage neighboring corals.
Substrate placement versus rockwork mounting is a matter of preference and tank design. Favia do well placed directly on the sand bed, which mimics their natural habitat and makes fragging easier later. However, mounting on rockwork provides better flow around the entire colony and reduces the risk of sand irritation during maintenance.
Feeding Your Favia Brain Coral
While Favia brain corals derive significant nutrition from their symbiotic zooxanthellae through photosynthesis, supplemental feeding dramatically improves growth rates and coloration. These corals are active feeders with a strong feeding response, making target feeding both easy and rewarding. I feed my Favia colonies 2-3 times per week, though some aquarists achieve success with weekly feeding.
Appropriate food sizes range from small zooplankton to larger meaty foods. Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped fish, and commercial coral foods like Reef-Roids work excellently. The key is offering food items small enough for the polyps to capture and consume easily. I've found that thawed frozen foods, gently squirted near the coral with a turkey baster during feeding time, produce the best feeding response.
Target feeding is most successful during evening hours when the coral naturally extends its feeding tentacles. Turn off flow pumps temporarily to prevent food from being swept away. Watch for the polyps to expand and actively capture food particles. After 20-30 minutes, resume normal flow to clear any uneaten food and prevent water quality issues.
Tank Mate Compatibility
Favia brain corals are considered semi-aggressive due to their sweeper tentacles, which they extend primarily at night for defense and feeding. These specialized tentacles can reach 3-6 inches beyond the colony edge and deliver a potent sting to neighboring corals. When planning your reef layout, provide adequate spacing between Favia and other corals to prevent warfare.
Compatible coral neighbors include other LPS corals with similar aggression levels, such as frogspawn coral care species, torch corals, and hammer corals, provided adequate spacing is maintained. Soft corals like leather corals and zoanthids can coexist peacefully when placed outside the sweeper tentacle range. SPS corals should be kept well away from Favia, as they're particularly susceptible to sweeper tentacle damage.
Fish compatibility is generally excellent, with most reef-safe fish ignoring Favia brain corals. However, some butterflyfishes, particularly those not considered reef-safe, may nip at the coral's tissue. Dwarf angels can be hit or miss, with some individuals leaving corals alone while others develop a taste for LPS polyps. Invertebrates like cleaner shrimp, hermit crabs, and snails pose no threat and actually benefit the coral by removing detritus and excess food.
Propagation and Fragging Techniques
Fragging Favia brain coral is relatively straightforward but requires proper tools and safety equipment. I always wear safety glasses and gloves when fragging, as the process creates coral dust and sharp fragments. A wet tile saw or Dremel tool with a diamond cutting wheel works best for creating clean cuts through the skeleton. Some aquarists successfully use bone cutters for smaller frags, though this method can create more skeletal damage.
The fragging process begins with removing the coral from the water and identifying natural division points between corallites. Cut through the skeleton ensuring each frag has multiple intact polyps - single polyp frags have lower survival rates. After cutting, rinse frags in tank water to remove debris and mucus. Some aquarists dip frags in iodine solution to prevent infection, though I've found this optional with clean cuts.
Mounting frags requires coral glue (cyanoacrylate) or epoxy putty. Allow cut surfaces to air dry slightly for better adhesion. Apply glue to the frag plug or rock rubble, then press the frag firmly in place. Return the mounted frag to the tank within a few minutes to prevent excessive stress. Newly fragged pieces typically show full polyp extension within 3-7 days and begin encrusting onto their mounting surface within 2-3 weeks.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Brown jelly disease represents one of the most serious threats to Favia brain corals. This condition appears as a brown, gelatinous film covering portions of the coral and spreads rapidly if untreated. Immediate intervention involves removing affected tissue with a turkey baster, followed by dipping the coral in iodine solution. Improving flow and maintaining pristine water quality helps prevent recurrence.
Tissue recession can result from various stressors including parameter swings, inadequate flow, or aggressive neighbors. When you notice tissue pulling away from the skeleton, first test all water parameters and correct any issues. Increase flow if detritus accumulates on the coral, and check for sweeper tentacle damage from nearby corals. Sometimes simply moving the coral to a different location resolves recession issues.
Bleaching in Favia typically indicates excessive lighting or temperature stress. If your Favia appears pale or white but polyps still extend, reduce lighting intensity or move the coral to a shadier location. Temperature-related bleaching requires stabilizing tank temperature and potentially adding a chiller if overheating is chronic. Recovery from bleaching takes several weeks to months, requiring patience and stable conditions.
Purchasing and Acclimation Best Practices
When selecting a Favia brain coral, look for specimens with full tissue coverage, no exposed skeleton, and responsive polyps. Healthy Favia should show polyp extension even under store lighting, though full extension may not occur until evening. Avoid colonies with tissue recession, brown jelly, or excessive mucus production. Ask about the coral's origin - aquacultured specimens often adapt more readily to captivity than wild-collected pieces.
Proper acclimation reduces stress and improves survival rates. I prefer the drip acclimation method, taking 45-60 minutes to match the coral to my tank parameters. Float the bag for temperature equilibration, then set up a drip line using airline tubing and a control valve. Aim for 2-3 drops per second, doubling the water volume over the acclimation period.
Dipping new corals helps prevent pest introduction and can reveal hidden problems. Commercial coral dips or iodine-based solutions work well for Favia. Follow manufacturer instructions for concentration and duration. After dipping, rinse the coral in clean tank water before placement. Observe the dip water for pests like flatworms or nudibranchs that might have been hiding in the colony.
Long-term Care and Maintenance
Establishing a consistent maintenance routine ensures long-term Favia health. Weekly water changes of 10-15% help maintain stable parameters and replenish trace elements. During water changes, I gently blast any detritus off the coral surface using a turkey baster. This prevents accumulation that could lead to tissue irritation or disease.
Monitor growth patterns and adjust placement as needed. Favia colonies can double in size over 2-3 years under optimal conditions, potentially requiring more space or fragging to prevent overcrowding. Regular photography helps track growth and color changes over time, providing valuable feedback on your husbandry practices.
Supplement dosing may become necessary in heavily stocked reef tanks. While Favia aren't as demanding as SPS corals, they still consume calcium and alkalinity for skeletal growth. Test parameters regularly and consider automated dosing for consistency. Trace element supplementation, particularly iodine and strontium, can enhance growth and coloration, though many successful aquarists rely solely on regular water changes.
Scientific Research and Conservation
Recent scientific research has expanded our understanding of Favia brain coral biology. A comprehensive study published in BMC Ecology and Evolution examined the developmental transcriptomes of Favia lizardensis, revealing complex gene expression patterns that control growth and development. This research provides insights into how these corals respond to environmental stressors and may guide future conservation efforts.
Climate change poses significant threats to wild Favia populations through ocean warming and acidification. Reef aquarists play an important role in coral conservation by maintaining captive populations and sharing aquacultured fragments. Many Favia species are listed on CITES Appendix II, regulating international trade to ensure sustainable collection practices.
Supporting responsible aquaculture and choosing captive-bred specimens when possible helps reduce pressure on wild reefs. Many coral farms now offer aquacultured Favia varieties that are already adapted to aquarium conditions. These specimens often show better survival rates and more vibrant coloration than wild-collected alternatives.
Cost Considerations and Value
Favia brain coral prices vary significantly based on size, coloration, and source. Basic brown or green varieties typically cost $30-60 for a 2-3 inch frag, while premium color morphs can exceed $200 for similar sizes. Rare varieties like rainbow Favia or unusual color combinations command premium prices. Larger colonies offer better value per polyp but require adequate tank space.
When calculating the total cost of keeping Favia, consider ongoing expenses beyond the initial purchase. Quality reef salt, testing kits, and supplemental foods add up over time. However, Favia's relatively modest lighting and flow requirements mean you don't need the most expensive equipment to succeed. Their hardy nature also means lower losses compared to more sensitive coral species.
The ability to frag and trade Favia adds value to your initial investment. A single colony can produce multiple frags over time, which you can trade with other hobbyists or sell to recoup costs. Some aquarists successfully fund their reef keeping hobby by fragging and selling corals like Favia that grow reliably in captivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast do Favia brain corals grow?
Under optimal conditions, Favia brain corals grow approximately 1-2 centimeters in diameter annually. Growth rates vary based on feeding frequency, lighting, water parameters, and overall tank stability. Regular feeding and stable alkalinity levels promote faster growth.
Can Favia brain coral touch other corals?
Favia should not directly touch other corals due to their aggressive sweeper tentacles. Maintain at least 3-6 inches of space between Favia and neighboring corals to prevent chemical warfare and tissue damage. The sweeper tentacles extend primarily at night and can reach well beyond the colony's visible edge.
What's the difference between Favia and Favites?
The main difference lies in their skeletal structure. Favia corallites have individual walls creating a honeycomb appearance, while Favites share common walls between corallites. This structural difference is most visible when viewing the skeleton, though it can sometimes be observed in living tissue patterns.
Why is my Favia not opening?
Poor polyp extension usually indicates stress from incorrect parameters, inadequate flow, excessive lighting, or pest irritation. Test water parameters first, particularly alkalinity and salinity. Check for proper flow and consider reducing lighting if the coral only retracts during peak hours. Inspect closely for pests or excessive detritus accumulation.
How often should I feed my Favia brain coral?
Feed Favia brain corals 2-3 times weekly for optimal growth and coloration, though once weekly is sufficient for maintenance. Target feed with meaty foods like mysis shrimp or quality coral foods during evening hours when feeding tentacles are extended.
Can Favia brain coral survive in low light?
Yes, Favia can survive in relatively low light conditions (75-100 PAR), though growth will be slower and colors may be less vibrant. They're more tolerant of low light than high light, making them suitable for tanks with modest lighting systems.
Is Favia brain coral good for beginners?
Favia is suitable for intermediate aquarists who have mastered basic reef keeping. While hardier than SPS corals, they still require stable parameters and regular maintenance. Beginners should have at least 6-12 months of successful reef keeping experience before attempting LPS corals like Favia.
How do I know if my Favia is healthy?
Healthy Favia displays full tissue coverage with no exposed skeleton, regular polyp extension (especially during feeding times), vibrant coloration, and a responsive feeding reaction. The tissue should appear inflated and plump rather than withdrawn or thin.
Conclusion
Favia brain coral represents an excellent choice for reef aquarists seeking a colorful, relatively hardy LPS coral. Their moderate care requirements, stunning appearance, and interesting feeding behavior make them rewarding additions to established reef tanks. By maintaining stable water parameters, providing appropriate lighting and flow, and establishing a regular feeding routine, you can enjoy success with these fascinating corals.
The recent taxonomic reclassifications remind us that our understanding of coral biology continues to evolve. Whether labeled as Favia or Dipsastraea, these brain corals offer the same captivating beauty and contribute to the diversity of our reef aquariums. Their adaptability to various tank conditions and ability to thrive under moderate care makes them accessible to a wide range of hobbyists.
Success with Favia brain coral comes from consistency and observation. Take time to observe your coral's behavior, note its feeding responses, and adjust care based on its specific needs. With proper husbandry, a small Favia frag can grow into an impressive colony that becomes a centerpiece of your reef tank for years to come. The journey of keeping these corals offers continuous learning opportunities and the satisfaction of nurturing a piece of the ocean's beauty in your home.
