New York Knicks Torch Coral WYSIWYG (Euphyllia glabrescens)

The New York Knicks Torch Coral is a colorful Euphyllia glabrescens variety appreciated for its contrasting blue and orange coloration. When fully extended, its long, flowing tentacles create the characteristic movement that makes torch corals such a popular centerpiece for LPS aquariums. Under blue-heavy reef lighting, the fluorescent pigments can become especially pronounced, emphasizing the contrast between the cooler blue tones and warmer orange coloration.

Torch corals grow by developing additional heads from their branching skeletal structure, allowing an established specimen to gradually become a larger, flowing colony. This WYSIWYG specimen is the exact coral pictured, so you can see its current head count, coloration, size, and development before purchase.

Recommended Care

• Scientific Name: Euphyllia glabrescens
• Common Name: New York Knicks Torch Coral
• Care Level: Moderate
• Lighting: Moderate, approximately 80–150 PAR
• Water Flow: Moderate — indirect, variable flow that allows the tentacles to sway naturally
• Placement: Lower to Middle aquarium
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Growth Form: Branching, multi-headed colony
• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; supplemental feeding is beneficial

Placement & Flow

Place the New York Knicks Torch on stable rockwork with plenty of open space around the coral. Torch tentacles can extend considerably beyond the skeleton when fully expanded and may become even longer after the aquarium lights turn off.

Moderate, indirect flow is ideal. The tentacles should gently sway in the current rather than being continuously pushed in one direction. Avoid placing the coral directly in front of a powerful wavemaker, as excessive flow can prevent full expansion and potentially damage the tissue.

Torch corals can be aggressive toward neighboring corals and may develop long sweeper tentacles. Give this specimen several inches of clearance from other corals and allow additional room for future colony growth.

Lighting

New York Knicks Torch Coral generally performs well under 80–150 PAR. Moderate lighting is typically sufficient for healthy tissue, coloration, and growth.

When introducing a new WYSIWYG specimen, acclimate it gradually to your aquarium's lighting, particularly if your system produces significantly higher PAR than the coral's previous environment. Sudden increases in intensity can cause stress and reduced polyp extension.

Blue-heavy reef lighting can enhance the fluorescent qualities of the blue and orange coloration, while a balanced reef spectrum provides a more natural representation of the coral's overall appearance.

Feeding

Euphyllia glabrescens is primarily photosynthetic, but supplemental feeding can provide additional nutrition and support continued growth and head development.

When the tentacles are fully extended, offer appropriately sized foods such as mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood, small zooplankton-based foods, or quality LPS coral foods. Feeding once or twice per week can be beneficial depending on the aquarium's nutrient levels and feeding routine.

Avoid oversized food particles and allow adequate circulation after feeding to help distribute nutrients without irritating the coral.

The New York Knicks Torch Coral is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking for a colorful, flowing LPS centerpiece. Its contrasting blue and orange tones, dynamic tentacle movement, and branching growth habit give this WYSIWYG specimen plenty of visual presence while offering the potential to develop into an impressive multi-headed colony.