Cup Coral

About

Found on tropical reefs across both the Indo-Pacific and Southwest Atlantic, Tubastraea tagusensis is one of the non-photosynthetic cup corals. A group that sets itself apart by having no reliance on zooxanthellae whatsoever. Where most reef corals demand intense light to fuel their symbiotic algae, this species does the opposite, preferring shaded overhangs, cave entrances, and dimly lit vertical faces. That independence from light is genuinely liberating in one sense, but it comes with a trade-off: the coral must be fed directly and regularly to survive, since it cannot generate energy from sunlight like the majority of its reef neighbors. In the aquarium, this means target feeding with meaty foods on a consistent schedule, which puts it firmly in intermediate territory rather than beginner-friendly. The polyps extend best after lights out, making evening feeding sessions the most effective approach. Moderate water movement suits it well. Enough to carry food particles into reach without battering the extended polyps. Its CITES-listed status is worth noting for anyone sourcing specimens, and aquacultured pieces are the responsible choice when available. For a keeper willing to commit to a feeding routine, it rewards that attention with a genuinely different look compared to light-hungry SPS or LPS corals.