Fat Tentacle Torch Coral

About

Found across shallow Indo-Pacific reef environments, Euphyllia cristata is one of the less commonly encountered members of a genus that includes some of the most recognizable large-polyp stony corals in the hobby. Its growth form is phaceloid, meaning the corallites rise as closely packed but separate tubes rather than fusing into a solid mass. Each corallite runs roughly 20 to 40 millimeters across and extends prominent septa that are clearly visible even from a distance underwater. What really identifies this coral are the tentacles themselves. Large, tubular, and tipped with rounded, knob-like ends that give the extended polyp a look quite distinct from the trailing sweeper tentacles of its torch and hammer relatives. Coloration tends toward pale grey or soft green, with the tentacle tips usually showing a contrasting hue that draws the eye. Small solitary polyps appear alongside the main colony fairly often. In the aquarium, this species fits comfortably into a mixed reef with moderate light and flow, and while it isn't the most demanding coral around, some prior experience keeping large-polyp stony corals will help you read its behavior and keep it thriving. Give it room to expand fully and watch for potential aggression toward nearby corals.