Euphyllia glabrescens
Euphyllia glabrescens, also known as the Torch coral, is a branching LPS coral with long tentacles that move gracefully in the current. The tentacles end in round or slightly tapering tips, and their coloration varies between green, gold, yellow, purple, and various combinations.
As it grows, the Torch coral forms new coral heads at the ends of its branching calcareous skeleton. Its care requirements are similar to Hammer and Frogspawn corals, but it is often more aggressive.
Features
• Branching LPS coral
• Long tentacles that move in the current
• Forms new, separate coral heads as it grows
• Available in many vibrant color variations
• Can extend long sweeper tentacles and harm nearby corals
Care
Light: Low to moderate, around 50–150 PAR. Torch corals do not require intense lighting and can open well even in slightly dimmer light. Acclimate new corals to stronger lighting gradually.
Flow: Moderate to strong and varied. The tentacles should move clearly in the current, but continuous strong direct flow should be avoided. If the tissue constantly presses against the skeleton, the flow is too strong.
Placement: Leave plenty of free space around the coral. Torch corals can extend long sweeper tentacles, whose stinging cells can damage other corals.
Feeding: Obtains a large part of its energy through photosynthetic symbiotic algae, but also benefits from direct feeding. Small pellets, mysis, and other protein-rich foods suitable for LPS corals are appropriate. Torch corals do not always feed as actively as many other LPS corals.
Recommended water parameters
Temperature: 24–26 °C
Salinity: 34–35 ppt
KH: 7–9 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 mg/l
Magnesium: 1250–1400 mg/l
Nitrate: 2–15 mg/l
Phosphate: 0.03–0.15 mg/l
pH: 8.0–8.4
Torch corals build a calcareous skeleton, so the stability of KH, calcium, and magnesium is particularly important. Stability of water parameters is more important than hitting exact target values.
Additional Information
Scientific name: Euphyllia glabrescens
Coral type: LPS
Growth habit: Branching
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Difficulty level: Medium
Light: Low to moderate, around 50–150 PAR
Flow: Moderate to strong, varied
Aggressiveness: Strong