(C15) WA Radiation Leak Cynarina - WYSIWYG
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All WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) corals will be the exact specimen in the photo. Please note that corals may grow and shift in coloration slightly in the time between the photo being taken and delivery. We will contact you before shipping in the rare instance that the coral no longer meets the standards set by the photo.
Cynarina corals, also known as Button Corals, are large polyp stony (LPS) corals admired for their oversized, fleshy polyps and brilliant coloration. They display shades of red, pink, orange, green, and rainbow mixes, often with a translucent, inflated look that makes them a showpiece coral. With their dramatic appearance and relatively hardy nature, Cynarina corals are excellent choices for aquarists looking to add bold texture and color to their reef tanks.
Description:
Common Names: Cynarina Coral, Button Coral
Scientific Name: Cynarina lacrymalis
Family: Lobophylliidae
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (can expand greatly and sting nearby corals)
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Cynarina corals are sometimes confused with Scolymia, but Cynarina polyps are larger, more inflated, and can expand several times their skeletal size. They are also often confused with acanthophyllia, but can be distinuished by theyr more transparent and more ridged flesh.
Native Habitat & Distribution:
Cynarina corals are found throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in lagoons and sandy reef slopes where water flow is gentle and light is moderate.
Aquarium Care & Setup:
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
Lighting: Low to moderate (50–125 PAR); too much light may cause tissue recession
Flow: Low to moderate; avoid strong currents that can damage fleshy tissue
Placement: On the sandbed or isolated rockwork with ample space for expansion
Care Tips & Feeding:
• Feeding: While photosynthetic, they benefit from direct feedings of meaty foods like mysis, brine shrimp, or coral pellets 2–3 times per week
• Growth Pattern: Large, solitary polyp that expands well beyond its skeleton
• Tankmates: Best kept with peaceful reef fish and corals placed at a safe distance
• Behavior: Inflates during the day; can dramatically expand or contract depending on flow and feeding
Are Cynarina corals easy to keep?
Yes, they are moderately easy, but they require stable water conditions and careful placement to thrive.
What lighting do Cynarina corals need?
Low to moderate lighting (50–125 PAR) works best to maintain color and prevent bleaching.
Do Cynarina corals need feeding?
Yes, they benefit greatly from supplemental feedings of meaty foods several times per week.
Where should I place Cynarina corals in my tank?
On the sandbed or isolated rockwork with space to expand safely without stinging neighbors.
How fast do Cynarina corals grow?
They grow slowly, gradually increasing polyp size over time rather than forming colonies.
Are Cynarina corals aggressive?
Yes, they can be semi-aggressive, expanding dramatically and using stinging cells to defend space.