Pavona Cactus Coral
Pavona cactus
An attractive folded-blade SPS that tolerates slightly lower light than most SPS.
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Min. Tank Size | 110 L |
| Temperature | 24.0–27.0 °C |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Max Size | 20.0 cm |
| Lifespan | Long years |
| Diet | Photosynthetic |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
Overview
The Pavona Cactus Coral (Pavona cactus) is an attractive folded-blade SPS that tolerates slightly lower light than most SPS. It is a SPS (small polyp stony) coral rated intermediate to keep.
This guide covers how to keep Pavona Cactus Coral thriving in a reef aquarium: lighting, water flow, placement, water chemistry, feeding, how it behaves towards neighbouring corals, and how to propagate (frag) it.
Care Level & Difficulty
SPS corals are the most demanding corals, needing intense light, strong flow and very stable, low-nutrient water - best attempted once your reef is mature and your parameters are rock-steady.
Lighting
Provide medium light for this coral. Strong, high-quality reef lighting (high PAR) is essential for colour and growth. Acclimate any new coral to your lights slowly over a couple of weeks to avoid shock and bleaching.
Water Flow
Aim for medium to high flow. The water should keep waste and detritus from settling on the coral without blasting its tissue. SPS corals need strong, turbulent flow to thrive and colour up.
Placement in the Reef
Place the Pavona Cactus Coral in the mid area of the reef, matching its light and flow needs. Give it room to grow so it does not shade or touch its neighbours.
Feeding
Like all photosynthetic corals it gets most of its energy from light via the algae in its tissue. It generally needs no direct feeding beyond good light and stable water, though it benefits from the nutrients fish waste provides.
Aggression & Neighbours
This is a peaceful coral that will not sting its neighbours - just make sure faster corals don't overgrow it.
How to Propagate (Frag)
Frag it by snapping off a healthy branch and gluing it to a frag plug; with good conditions it regrows quickly. Use coral glue or putty, work cleanly, and let cuts heal in stable water. Fragging is also how reefers trade and share corals.
Common Problems
SPS are sensitive: rapid tissue necrosis (RTN/STN), bleaching and browning all signal unstable parameters, especially alkalinity swings. Keep everything steady and watch for AEFW and red bugs.
The golden rule for corals is stability - small, steady changes and consistent Alk, Ca and Mg keep them healthy.
Is the Pavona Cactus Coral Right for Your Reef?
The Pavona Cactus Coral suits reef keepers with some experience and stable parameters. Provide medium light, medium to high flow and rock-solid water chemistry and it will reward you for years. Browse our marine fish and reef guides to build a balanced reef.
How to Tell Males from Females
Not externally sexed. Corals and most reef invertebrates are either colonial, hermaphroditic or spawn broadcast gametes with no visible external difference between individuals.
