Lesser Knob Coral

About

Lesser Knob Coral (Cyphastrea chalcidicum) is a hardy Indo-Pacific species found across a remarkably broad range of environments, from shallow rocky foreshores in subtropical zones down to around 40 meters on established reef structures. That adaptability is one of its most notable traits, and it goes some way toward explaining why this coral can be a reasonable choice for intermediate reef keepers willing to give it stable, consistent conditions. Colonies grow in an encrusting to massive form, sometimes developing columnar extensions over time. The corallites themselves are conical and tend to be widely spaced, each ringed by clearly alternating costae, the raised ridges that run between the skeletal walls, which give the coral a neat, geometric texture that is visible even without close inspection. Twelve primary septa radiate from each corallite center, adding to that orderly appearance. Coloration is typically understated: whole colonies usually run to uniform shades of brown, green, or cream, but the corallite walls and central calices often show a contrasting tone that breaks up the surface visually. It is not a flashy coral, but it has a clean, structured look that works well in a mixed reef. Moderate light and flow suit it well.