Sun Coral Care Guide
Tubastraea coccinea · Saltwater LPS Coral
What Sun Coral look like
Tubastraea coccinea, commonly known as the Sun Coral, exhibits a distinctive morphology characterized by its bright orange to yellow polyp coloration, which can extend up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The coral forms a branching structure with numerous tubular corallites, each housing individual polyps that possess a unique arrangement of tentacles. These tentacles are equipped with nematocysts, allowing for effective prey capture. Sun Corals lack a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, resulting in their reliance on heterotrophic feeding. The species displays no significant sexual dimorphism, but its polyps can retract into the corallite during periods of stress or feeding, providing a defensive adaptation against predation. The overall structure is often encrusted with calcareous deposits, enhancing its robustness.
Behavior & temperament
Sun Corals are primarily nocturnal feeders, extending their polyps at night to capture plankton and small zooplankton from the water column. They exhibit a solitary lifestyle, though they can form large colonies through asexual reproduction. The feeding behavior is characterized by rapid tentacle extension and retraction, maximizing prey capture efficiency. While generally non-aggressive, they can exhibit territoriality towards other corals when in close proximity. Their stinging potential is moderate, primarily used for capturing prey rather than for defense against larger predators.
Diet & feeding
Tubastraea coccinea is a carnivorous coral that primarily feeds on zooplankton and other small organic particles. In captivity, it requires regular feeding of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and specialized coral foods to thrive.
Behind the name
The genus name 'Tubastraea' derives from the Latin 'tuba' meaning 'tube' and 'astraea' from Greek 'astron' meaning 'star', referring to the tubular shape of the corallites and the star-like appearance of the polyps. The species name 'coccinea' comes from the Latin word for 'scarlet' or 'red', describing the coral's vibrant coloration.
Plan your tank
Check the numbers before you buy: tank volume, salinity, salt mix, water changes, and your ongoing care routine.
Keeping Sun Coral?
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