Pavona Coral Care Guide – Care, Feeding & Lighting Tips

Introduction

Pavona corals (Pavona species), also called Cactus Corals or Potato Chip Corals, are hardy small polyp stony corals that bring unique texture and form to reef aquariums. Their plating, leafy, or encrusting structures create striking contrasts against branching SPS, while their resilience makes them a great option for aquarists seeking a less demanding SPS.

Scientific Name & Identification

Pavona belong to the family Agariciidae. They can be recognized by their ridged skeletal surface, leafy growth forms, and closely packed polyps that give them a textured appearance. Unlike Montipora, Pavona often forms ridges and valleys across their skeleton. They are available in vibrant greens, oranges, browns, and neon morphs that fluoresce brilliantly under actinic light.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Pavona corals inhabit reef slopes, lagoons, and reef flats throughout the Indo-Pacific. They are often found encrusting on rocks or growing in plating formations where water flow is steady and light is strong. Their hardy nature allows them to survive in conditions that are too challenging for more delicate SPS species.

Aquarium Care & Setup

For best success, Pavona require stable water parameters and moderate to strong conditions:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• Flow: Moderate to strong, ensuring detritus does not accumulate

• Lighting: Moderate to high (100–250 PAR) for strong coloration and growth

• Placement: Mid to lower rockwork with open space for colonies to expand

Feeding

Pavona are primarily photosynthetic, gaining most of their nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae. However, occasional target feeding with fine coral foods like reef roids or phytoplankton enhances growth, coloration, and polyp extension.

Growth and Behavior

Growth rates are moderate, with colonies encrusting rock or forming leafy plates. Their ridged, textured growth pattern makes them stand out against smoother SPS like Montipora. With time, Pavona can spread across aquascapes, creating a lush, natural reef appearance.

Tankmates

Pavona are generally peaceful but are more aggressive than most SPS, and will send out sweeper tentacles or menenterial filaments to sting or consume other corals that come too close. They pair well with other SPS and reef-safe fish such as tangs, wrasses, anthias, and clownfish. Avoid placing them too close to Euphyllia or other long-sweeper LPS corals.

Conclusion

Pavona corals are a hardy and visually distinct SPS species, perfect for reef aquarists looking to diversify their coral collection with unique plating and leafy forms. With their resilience and striking coloration, they are an excellent option for those ready to step into the world of SPS corals without the high demands of Acropora.

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