Bizarro Encrusting Cyphastrea

Overview

The Bizarro Encrusting Cyphastrea is a strikingly unique coral known for its extraordinary coloration and adaptability to low light environments. This coral encrusts over surfaces with a textured growth pattern, making it ideal for shaded or recessed sections of reef tanks where other corals struggle to thrive.

Colorization

This coral features a deep, dark purple or midnight blue base coenosteum combined with bright neon orange to red polyps, creating an intense, eye-catching contrast often described as “alien” in appearance.

Size

The coral typically arrives on a frag plug ranging between 0.5 to 1 inch in size.

Lighting

Preferring low to moderate lighting, the Bizarro Cyphastrea thrives at 50–100 PAR. It is highly sensitive to bright light and will bleach if exposed to intense illumination, so it should be placed in shaded or lower-light areas.

Water Flow

Moderate water flow is optimal to keep sediments from settling between its tightly packed polyps, ensuring healthy growth without inhibiting tissue development.

Feeding

While primarily photosynthetic, this coral exhibits a strong feeding response and readily consumes fine particulate foods or powdered reef supplements, especially during nighttime hours.

Aggressiveness

The Bizarro is peaceful, lacking stinging tentacles. However, it grows fast and can encrust over nearby corals or equipment, so give it enough space to expand.

Care Level

Easy to care for, this coral is hardy as long as it is maintained away from direct intense light and provided with proper water conditions, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced reef keepers.