Stephanocyathus laevifundus

About

Found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, including waters around Martinique in the French Exclusive Economic Zone, Stephanocyathus laevifundus is a solitary stony coral belonging to the family Caryophylliidae. It grows as a single, unattached cup-shaped corallite rather than forming colonies, which already sets it apart from the reef-building corals most hobbyists are familiar with. This growth form gives it a clean, sculptural look that appeals to keepers interested in the less conventional corners of the coral world. In the aquarium, it is considered reef safe, posing no threat to neighboring corals or invertebrates, and it fits into a system with moderate flow and high lighting. Care is rated at an intermediate level, so while it isn't a beginner's coral, a keeper with solid water quality management and some experience with LPS or solitary corals should be able to meet its needs. Source data on this species in captivity is limited, which is worth keeping in mind. Much of what applies here is drawn from general knowledge of its genus. If you enjoy working with less-documented species and keeping careful notes, this one is a genuinely interesting project coral.