Ultra Rainbow Cyphastrea (WYSIWYG) (Cyphastrea sp.)

The Ultra Rainbow Cyphastrea 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.

Cyphastrea 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 exact coral pictured is the coral you will receive, including its current size, shape, coloration, and level of development.

Recommended Care

• Scientific Name: Cyphastrea sp.

• Common Name: Ultra Rainbow Cyphastrea

• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

• Lighting: Low to Moderate, approximately 50–150 PAR

• Water Flow: Moderate — indirect and variable flow that keeps the coral clean without excessive direct turbulence

• Placement: Lower to Middle aquarium

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Growth Form: Encrusting

• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; supplemental feeding is beneficial but not required

Placement & Flow

Place 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.

Moderate, 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.

Cyphastrea 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.

Lighting

Ultra Rainbow Cyphastrea generally performs well under 50–150 PAR. 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.

When introducing a new WYSIWYG specimen, begin toward the lower end of the recommended range and acclimate gradually if your aquarium provides significantly stronger lighting. Sudden increases in intensity can cause unnecessary stress and may affect coloration.

Blue-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.

Feeding

Cyphastrea is primarily photosynthetic, obtaining much of its energy through its symbiotic algae. It can also utilize nutrients and fine food particles available in the water column.

Supplemental feeding is optional but can provide additional nutrition. Periodically offer fine powdered coral foods, phytoplankton, or small zooplankton-based foods. Feed lightly and avoid allowing excess food to accumulate across the colony.

Maintaining stable alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and appropriate nutrient levels will also help support healthy skeletal growth and coloration.

Ultra 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.