Cynarina / Button Multicolor (Cynarina lacrymalis)

The Cynarina / Button Multicolor is a distinctive LPS coral prized for its exceptionally fleshy tissue, dramatic inflation, and individually unique color patterns. When fully expanded, its solitary polyp develops a rounded, cushion-like appearance, with translucent tissue extending well beyond the underlying skeleton. Multicolor specimens may display combinations of red, orange, pink, green, purple, and blue tones, often arranged in contrasting streaks, patches, or mottled patterns.

Under blue-spectrum reef lighting, fluorescent pigments can become more pronounced, while balanced lighting reveals the coral's natural depth, translucency, and multicolor patterning. Unlike colonial LPS corals, Cynarina lacrymalis develops as a single large fleshy polyp, giving each specimen the presence of an individual centerpiece.

Recommended Care

Scientific Name: Cynarina lacrymalis
Common Name: 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 the tissue to inflate naturally
Placement: Lower aquarium / sandbed
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Growth Form: Solitary, large fleshy LPS polyp
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; occasional supplemental feeding is beneficial

Placement & Flow

The Cynarina / Button Multicolor is best positioned on the sandbed or a smooth, stable area of lower rockwork. Its tissue can inflate considerably beyond the underlying skeleton, so avoid sharp rocks or abrasive surfaces that could damage the delicate tissue as it expands.

Provide low, gentle, indirect water movement. The polyp should be able to inflate fully without its tissue being continuously pushed or folded by the current. Excessively strong flow can cause prolonged contraction and increase the risk of tissue damage.

Allow several inches of clearance from neighboring corals. Cynarina can sting nearby livestock, and its substantial daytime expansion should be considered when selecting its permanent location.

Lighting

Cynarina generally performs well under low to moderate reef lighting in the 50–120 PAR range. Intense SPS-level lighting is unnecessary and may stress specimens that have been maintained under lower illumination.

Gradual light acclimation is recommended when introducing the coral to a new system. Blue-spectrum lighting can emphasize fluorescent pigments within multicolor specimens, while a balanced reef spectrum provides a more natural representation of the coral's complete coloration.

Feeding

Cynarina lacrymalis is primarily photosynthetic, receiving much of its energy through symbiotic dinoflagellates within its tissue. However, its large mouth and fleshy feeding structures 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 responses can become particularly noticeable after the lights begin to dim. Avoid oversized portions and excessive feeding.

With its dramatic inflation, substantial fleshy polyp, and individually unique multicolor pattern, the Cynarina / Button Multicolor makes an outstanding centerpiece for the lower reef or sandbed. Each specimen offers its own combination of color and pattern, making this classic solitary LPS an excellent choice for reef keepers looking for a coral with both visual impact and character.