Aussie Multicolor Cynarina Coral Medium (Cynarina lacrymalis)

The Aussie Multicolor Cynarina Coral  is a premium Australian LPS coral known for its exceptionally fleshy tissue, dramatic inflation, and individually unique coloration. When fully expanded, the large solitary polyp develops a rounded, cushion-like appearance with translucent tissue extending well beyond its underlying skeleton. Multicolor specimens can display combinations of red, orange, pink, green, blue, and purple tones, with contrasting streaks or mottled patterns varying naturally from specimen to specimen.

Under blue-spectrum reef lighting, fluorescent pigments can become especially noticeable, while balanced lighting reveals the depth, translucency, and natural multicolor pattern of the tissue. Unlike colonial LPS corals, Cynarina lacrymalis grows as a single large polyp, making an established large specimen an impressive standalone centerpiece for the lower portion of a reef aquarium.

Recommended Care

Scientific Name: Cynarina lacrymalis
Common Name: Aussie Cynarina, Button Coral, Meat Coral, Doughnut Coral
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Lighting: Low to Moderate — approximately 50–120 PAR
Water Flow: Low — gentle, indirect circulation that allows full tissue inflation without buffeting the polyp
Placement: Lower aquarium / sandbed
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Growth Form: Solitary, large fleshy LPS polyp
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; benefits from occasional supplemental feeding with appropriately sized meaty foods

Placement & Flow

The Aussie Cynarina is best placed on the sandbed or a smooth, stable area of lower rockwork. Because its tissue can inflate substantially beyond the underlying skeleton, avoid sharp or abrasive surfaces that could puncture or tear the expanded polyp.

Provide low, gentle and indirect water movement. The tissue should inflate comfortably with only subtle movement rather than being pushed or folded by the current. Strong direct flow can prevent proper expansion and increase the risk of tissue damage.

Allow several inches of clearance from neighboring corals. Although Cynarina is not among the most aggressive LPS corals, it is capable of stinging nearby livestock, and its considerable expansion should be taken into account when choosing a permanent location.

Lighting

Aussie Cynarina generally performs best under low to moderate lighting of approximately 50–120 PAR. Intense SPS-level lighting is unnecessary and can cause a specimen accustomed to lower illumination to remain contracted or become stressed.

When introducing the coral to a new aquarium, begin toward the lower end of the recommended range and gradually acclimate it to stronger lighting when necessary. Blue-spectrum reef lighting can emphasize fluorescent pigments in multicolor specimens, while a balanced spectrum provides the best representation of their complete natural coloration.

Feeding

Cynarina lacrymalis is primarily photosynthetic, receiving much of its energy through symbiotic dinoflagellates living within its tissue. However, its large mouth and feeding response allow it to readily capture supplemental foods.

Occasionally offer appropriately sized portions of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp or clam, or quality LPS pellets. Feeding tentacles may become more apparent after the lights dim. Avoid oversized portions and excessive feeding.

With its substantial L-sized polyp, dramatic inflation, translucent fleshy texture, and individually unique multicolor pattern, the Aussie Multicolor Cynarina Coral makes an exceptional centerpiece for the reef sandbed. Its combination of impressive size, rich coloration, and distinctive solitary growth form gives it a presence that stands apart from traditional branching and colonial LPS corals.