Sun Coral
Tubastraea megacorallita
A rare subtropical sun coral from Japan's reef slopes, built for low light.
About
Found on reef slopes between roughly 10 and 25 meters depth, Tubastraea megacorallita is a non-photosynthetic cup coral native to subtropical waters around Japan and Hong Kong. Like its relatives in the Tubastraea genus, it carries no zooxanthellae and therefore relies entirely on direct feeding rather than light to meet its energy needs. A trait that shapes everything about how you keep it. That feeding dependency is what puts it in the intermediate care bracket. Skipping regular target feeding is not really an option here, and keepers who underestimate that commitment tend to watch these corals slowly decline. The payoff for putting in the work is a genuinely unusual animal that thrives under the low-light conditions that would leave photosynthetic corals struggling. Moderate flow helps deliver food particles and keeps the tissue clean without battering the polyps. Its subtropical origins also hint that it may appreciate slightly cooler temperatures than the typical tropical reef setup, which is worth keeping in mind if you run a dedicated cold-water or temperate system. Source data on this particular species is limited compared to more commonly traded Tubastraea, so approach it with the same diligence you would give any uncommon azooxanthellate coral.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Sun Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Sun Coral eat?
- The Sun Coral is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Sun Coral reef safe?
- The Sun Coral is generally considered reef safe.