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Acantho/Cynarina/Scolymia

Acantho (Acanthophyllia deshayesiana), Cynarina (Cynarina lacrymalis) and Scolymia (Scolymia australis) are among the most impressive solitary corals for the reef aquarium. With their exceptionally fleshy tissue, intense colours and impressive polyp expansion, they quickly become the centrepiece of any reef tank. For successful Acanthophyllia, Scolymia and Cynarina husbandry, stable water parameters, moderate lighting, gentle flow and placement on a fine sand bed are ideal. Regular feeding with high-quality LPS coral food supports healthy growth, strong tissue and intense colour development.

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Acantho/Cynarina/Scolymia

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Care at a glance

What Acantho, Cynarina and Scolymia need.

These large-polyp LPS corals prefer stable water parameters, rather moderate lighting and gentle, indirect flow. A sheltered spot where the delicate tissue can expand fully is particularly important.

These details are intended as a guide. Always watch how each individual coral responds and adjust light, flow and placement as needed.

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

These large-polyp LPS corals prefer stable water parameters, rather moderate lighting and gentle, indirect flow. A sheltered spot where the delicate tissue can expand fully is particularly important.

Light

Low to moderate

Moderate lighting is usually sufficient. Acclimate new animals slowly and do not place them directly under strong LEDs at first.

Flow

Low to moderate

Flow should be gentle and indirect. Excessive flow can press the strongly inflated tissue against the skeleton and injure it.

Feeding

Recommended

Targeted feeding with small portions of mysis, artemia or other fine frozen food can support vitality and tissue development.

Placement

Sand bed or lower zone

Place on a flat, soft surface with enough distance from sharp-edged rock and neighbouring corals.

Growth

Slow

Growth is slow. The focus is on stable tissue development, full expansion and long-term colour retention.

More about Acantho/Cynarina/Scolymia

What is the difference between Acanthophyllia, Cynarina and Scolymia?

Although Acanthophyllia, Cynarina and the corals sold as Scolymia look similar at first glance, they differ in body shape, tissue structure and growth. What they have in common is their usually single, particularly large and fleshy polyp.

Acanthophyllia often develop very voluminous, widely expanding tissue and can grow into impressive showpieces. Cynarina often look more transparent or more strongly segmented and show characteristic radial structures.

The name Scolymia is still widely used in the trade. Many Australian “Scolymia” are now scientifically assigned to the genus Homophyllia. For customers, however, the established trade name remains understandable and relevant.

Acanthophyllia/Cynarina/Scolymia – Impressive Solitary Corals with Exceptional Colours

Acanthophyllia deshayesiana (Acantho),Cynarina lacrymalis, Scolymia are among the most spectacular LPS corals for the reef aquarium. With their large, fleshy polyps, intense colours and impressive tissue expansion, they are some of the most popular solitary corals for demanding reef tanks. Whether bright green, bold red, orange, pink, gold or exceptional rainbow morphs – every coral is a unique eye-catcher.

In their natural habitat, both species mainly colonise sandy areas or sheltered lagoons. This lifestyle should also be taken into account in the aquarium so that the delicate tissue can expand freely.

Husbandry and Care – Stable Conditions for Large Polyps

Successfully keeping Acanthophyllia, Cynarina and Scolymia depends above all on stable water parameters and consistently high water quality. Sudden changes in temperature, salinity or carbonate hardness should be avoided.

Recommended guideline values:

• Temperature: 24–26 °C

• Salinity: 34–35 PSU or approx. 1.025–1.026

• pH: 8.0–8.4

• Carbonate hardness: 8–9 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 mg/l

• Magnesium: 1,250–1,400 mg/l

• Nitrate: approx. 5–15 mg/l

• Phosphate: approx. 0.03–0.10 mg/l


These corals usually prefer low to moderate lighting and gentle, indirect flow. Excessive flow can press the widely expanded tissue against the coral's own skeleton and lead to injuries over time. After placing the coral, pay particular attention to tissue expansion. A fully open coral with strong colouration is usually a good sign that the spot, lighting and water movement have been chosen well.

The right spot in the reef aquarium

Acanthophyllia, Cynarina and Scolymia usually feel most at home in the lower part of the aquarium or directly on the sand bed. A flat, soft surface protects the delicate tissue from injuries caused by sharp-edged reef rock.

Leave enough space between neighbouring corals. The large polyps can expand considerably and need enough free space. At the same time, other corals should be prevented from touching the delicate tissue or damaging it with sweeper tentacles.

New animals should be acclimated slowly to the existing lighting. Start in the lower zone and only adjust the position gradually if the coral expands little over a long period or its colouration changes.

Light and flow

Low to moderate lighting is sufficient for many specimens. Excessive lighting can cause the tissue to retract or the coral to show visible signs of stress.

Flow should be gentle, indirect and preferably alternating. The water may move lightly over the tissue but should not constantly compress the polyp or push it against the skeleton.

Feeding and development

Targeted feeding can support vitality, tissue development and growth. Small portions of mysis, artemia or other fine, meaty frozen food are suitable.

Feed in a controlled way and only as much as the coral can fully take in. Under stable conditions, these LPS corals develop large, strong polyps but usually grow much more slowly than many fast-growing coral species.

Premium Reefing quality

Carefully cared for and prepared as well as possible.

Our corals are kept under stable conditions, carefully observed and only offered for sale once we are convinced of their quality.