Cyphastrea

Names & Synonyms

• CommonCyphastrea
• Commonキファストレア

Overview

Cyphastrea (family Merulinidae) is a genus of encrusting to hemispherical SPS corals found on Indo-Pacific reef slopes and beneath overhangs. Their surface is densely patterned with small, rounded corallites that give colonies a distinctive granular texture. Uniquely among SPS, Cyphastrea tolerates a broad lighting range of 50–200 PAR, allowing placement in shaded reef zones where other small-polyp corals struggle. Gentle to moderate indirect flow and stable parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–430 ppm) suit them well. Color variants in green, red, orange, and purple are available; intensely fluorescent specimens command collector premiums. Growth is deliberate but consistent, gradually encrusting surrounding rock. Low to moderate care requirements and shade tolerance make Cyphastrea one of the most versatile SPS options for mixed reef displays.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Rare SPS that grows in low to medium light
• Flow—Low to medium flow
• Propagation—Spreads by encrusting
• Notes—One of the hardiest among SPS corals

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:

Appendix II

Notes:

イシサンゴ目(Cyphastrea, Merulinidae)。CITES 附属書II。

Sources

• AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow)(careSpec)
• AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
• DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
• Wikipedia(detail)

Related corals of the same type

AcanthastreaアカンサストレアlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with metallic colors in large polyps. Australian specimens are popular as premium pieces.Acan CoralアカンソフィリアlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with rich colorful variations. Highly popular among collectors with many high-value specimens.Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)アカントフィリアlpsIntermediateLPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.Acan LordアカンロードlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with vivid multicolor patterns beautiful as jewels. Premium species popular among collectors.AlveoporaアルベオポラlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with long tentacles similar to Goniopora. Hardier and easier to keep than Goniopora.War CoralウォーコーラルlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with distinctive rugged appearance. Also called Favia, beautiful with fluorescent colors.

Related care articles

LPS Corals2026-08-25

Natural Spawning and Breeding in LPS Corals | Key Points for Juvenile Coral Rearing and Parental Stock Selection

Natural spawning in LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals is a biological event triggered by multiple interacting environmental factors. The primary driver is photoperiod: as day length extends from spring into early summer, gonadal development in individual colonies accelerates. Most LPS species reach their spawning season between April and July, with decreasing nighttime illumination and lunar cycles serving as the final spawning triggers...

LPS Corals2026-08-23

Trachyphyllia (Open Brain Coral) Care | Managing a Unique Species That Dwells on Sand Substrate

Trachyphyllia is an LPS coral that does not cement to rock, instead resting on sandy substrate or in rock crevices by its own weight. This guide explains how to choose placement based on its distinct ecology and how to maintain proper spacing from neighboring corals.

LPS Corals2026-08-09

Cardinal Fish and LPS Coral Symbiosis | How to Select and Maintain Symbiotic Fishes

Most LPS corals host small symbiotic fish. Understand the natural symbiotic relationship with cardinal fish and learn how to create an aquarium environment where both corals and symbiotic fish thrive comfortably.

Get this species

Buy livestock directly from breeders and specialist shops on BreederDirect (br-choku), our sister marketplace for corals and marine fish.

* Opens an external site (BreederDirect / br-choku, Japanese) in a new tab.