{"product_id":"ultra-rainbow-cyphastrea","title":"Ultra Rainbow Cyphastrea","description":"\u003ch1\u003eUltra Rainbow Cyphastrea (WYSIWYG) (\u003cem\u003eCyphastrea\u003c\/em\u003e sp.)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eUltra Rainbow Cyphastrea\u003c\/strong\u003e is a vibrant encrusting coral prized for its combination of contrasting colors and densely packed, fine-textured corallites. Individual polyps can display a mix of green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple tones, with the exact color balance varying between specimens and changing somewhat with lighting and aquarium conditions. Under blue-heavy reef lighting, its fluorescent pigments can become particularly pronounced, creating a colorful, star-like appearance across the colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCyphastrea is generally a steady encrusting coral that gradually spreads across rockwork and other hard surfaces. As the colony develops, its tightly arranged corallites create a detailed, textured surface while maintaining a relatively low-profile growth habit. This makes the Ultra Rainbow Cyphastrea an excellent option for adding concentrated color to areas of the reef where larger LPS or high-light SPS corals may not be ideal. As a WYSIWYG specimen, the \u003cstrong\u003eexact coral pictured is the coral you will receive\u003c\/strong\u003e, including its current size, shape, coloration, and level of development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCyphastrea\u003c\/em\u003e sp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ultra Rainbow Cyphastrea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to Moderate, approximately \u003cstrong\u003e50–150 PAR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate — indirect and variable flow that keeps the coral clean without excessive direct turbulence\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lower to Middle aquarium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Form:\u003c\/strong\u003e Encrusting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily photosynthetic; supplemental feeding is beneficial but not required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlacement \u0026amp; Flow\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the Ultra Rainbow Cyphastrea on stable rockwork with adequate room to expand. Its encrusting growth makes it particularly useful for covering exposed areas of rock, frag plugs, and other hard surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate, indirect water movement is ideal. Flow should be sufficient to keep detritus from settling between the small corallites while providing consistent oxygen and nutrient exchange. Avoid directing a strong, narrow stream directly at the coral, as excessive flow can interfere with tissue health and polyp extension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCyphastrea is generally peaceful and does not typically produce long sweeper tentacles. However, provide reasonable separation from neighboring corals, particularly other encrusting species, as the colony expands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLighting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltra Rainbow Cyphastrea generally performs well under \u003cstrong\u003e50–150 PAR\u003c\/strong\u003e. Lower to moderate lighting is typically sufficient, and there is little reason to expose this coral to the high light levels preferred by many SPS species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen introducing a new WYSIWYG specimen, begin toward the lower end of the recommended range and \u003cstrong\u003eacclimate gradually\u003c\/strong\u003e if your aquarium provides significantly stronger lighting. Sudden increases in intensity can cause unnecessary stress and may affect coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue-heavy reef lighting can enhance the fluorescent appearance of the coral's brighter colors, while a balanced spectrum will provide a more natural representation of its overall coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCyphastrea is primarily \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, obtaining much of its energy through its symbiotic algae. It can also utilize nutrients and fine food particles available in the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplemental feeding is optional but can provide additional nutrition. Periodically offer \u003cstrong\u003efine powdered coral foods, phytoplankton, or small zooplankton-based foods\u003c\/strong\u003e. Feed lightly and avoid allowing excess food to accumulate across the colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining stable alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and appropriate nutrient levels will also help support healthy skeletal growth and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUltra Rainbow Cyphastrea is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking for a colorful, low-profile coral that can gradually develop into a vibrant encrusting colony. Its diverse coloration, fine texture, and impressive fluorescence under blue reef lighting make this WYSIWYG specimen a versatile addition to both mixed reefs and dedicated coral collections.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Island Reef Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48643143434434,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/3354\/5666\/files\/UltraRainbowCyphastrea_WYSIWYG_29.99.png?v=1787212159","url":"https:\/\/islandreefaquatics.com\/products\/ultra-rainbow-cyphastrea","provider":"Island Reef Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}