Coral Care Info Cynarina

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Cynarina is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef. It thrives in lagoonal reef environments and deeper reef slopes, where it settles on sandy or rubble substrates. This coral prefers low to moderate light and gentle water movement, mimicking its natural deep-water habitat.

Why Choose Cynarina for Your Reef Tank?

• Striking Appearance – Large, inflated tissue creates a dramatic effect.
• Beginner-Friendly & Hardy – Tolerates minor parameter fluctuations.
• Slow Growth Rate – Won’t rapidly overtake tank space.
• No Aggressive Sweeper Tentacles – Compatible with many other corals.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable conditions ensures the best health and coloration for Cynarina:

Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability and nutrient balance.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers low to mid-level areas of the tank, avoiding direct currents.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on soft sand to prevent damage to its delicate tissue.

Lighting Requirements

Cynarina thrives under low to moderate lighting, preventing bleaching and tissue damage.

• PAR Range: 50-120 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual transitions to reduce stress.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Low to moderate, indirect water flow prevents tissue damage.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause the coral’s flesh to tear.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup while keeping polyps fully expanded.

Feeding and Nutrition

Cynarina benefits from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, as its large, fleshy polyp structure allows for efficient food absorption.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and small pieces of fish.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and coloration.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding at night when the coral extends its feeding tentacles.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Some corals—while non-aggressive, Cynarina is sensitive to stings from aggressive corals.
• Avoid: Fish that nip at fleshy corals, such as certain angelfish and butterflyfish.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Slow growth rate, with gradual expansion over time.
• Fragging Method: Not commonly fragged due to its solitary structure.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease – A bacterial infection requiring iodine dips and improved water quality.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by unstable parameters or excessive flow.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually introduce the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as its fleshy structure is prone to damage.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or deflated tissue – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or lighting issues.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Receding tissue – Ensure stable water conditions and avoid aggressive tank mates.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; relocate to a lower-light area.
• Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.