Black Sun Coral

About

The black sun coral (Tubastraea micranthus) is one of the few corals in the hobby that gets its deep, almost gothic coloration from pigment alone rather than zooxanthellae. Unlike the more commonly kept orange Tubastraea species, this one sports dark green to near-black polyps and calices, making it visually distinct even among non-photosynthetic corals. It originates from reef-associated environments across the Western Pacific, where it grows in areas of reduced light, think overhangs, cave ceilings, and shaded vertical walls, rather than out in the open under bright reef lighting. That biology translates directly into the aquarium: this coral does not use light as an energy source at all, which means it depends entirely on the food you provide. Regular, targeted feedings with meaty foods like mysis, chopped seafood, or coral-specific preparations are not optional here. They are the whole game. Flow should be moderate, enough to keep detritus from settling on the colony without blasting the polyps shut. Most experienced reefers consider this an intermediate-level coral, not because it is fragile, but because the feeding commitment is real and consistent. If you can meet that demand, it is a genuinely rewarding and unusual addition to a low-light reef system.