Pavona
Lamarck, 1801Genus
An SPS coral growing in thin plates. Hardy species growing in various forms: encrusting, plating.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonPavona
- Commonパボナ
- SynonymHeteroseris
- SynonymLophoseris
- SynonymPavonia
- SynonymPolyastra
- SynonymPseudocolumnastrea
Overview
Pavona (family Agariciidae) encompasses a diverse group of SPS corals spread across Indo-Pacific reef systems, adopting growth forms from thin plates and leafy sheets to domed mounds, often shaped by prevailing light and current conditions. Dense fields of tiny star-shaped polyps cover the skeleton surface in brown, green, and pink tones. Pavona is notably more tolerant of water quality fluctuations than Acropora, making it a popular transitional coral for hobbyists moving into SPS keeping. Moderate lighting (100–250 PAR) and moderate flow support healthy growth without demanding the precision of more sensitive SPS. Standard parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–440 ppm) are sufficient. Growth rate is moderate to fast, with colonies encrusting surrounding rockwork steadily. Aggression toward neighbors is minimal. Fragging by breaking or cutting is easy, and cut surfaces heal rapidly. An excellent foundational SPS for building reef aquascape structure.
Care Specifications
| Type | SPS |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜11 dKH |
| Calcium (Ca) | 420〜450 mg/L |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1300〜1400 mg/L |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Water flow | High |
| Placement | Middle |
Care Points
- Lighting—Medium light sufficient
- Flow—Medium flow
- Growth—Relatively fast growth rate
- Notes—Hardy among SPS corals
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Pavona, Agariciidae)。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)
Related corals of the same type
Blue Coralアオサンゴ（ヘリオポラ）spsIntermediateThe only octocoral with a solid blue skeleton. Taxonomically unique and hardy, but CITES Appendix II — handle with care.
Astreoporaアストレオポラ（スターコーラル）SPSBeginnerA massive SPS in the Acropora family. Named for star-shaped scattered corallites; a hardy entry-level SPS.
AnacroporaアナクロポラSPSIntermediateA branching SPS related to Acropora but lacking axial corallites, forming slender delicate branches with pastel coloration.
IsoporaイソポラSPSIntermediateA branching-to-encrusting SPS formerly placed in Acropora. Bearing multiple axial corallites, it is hardier and easier than Acropora.
CoscinaraeaコスキナラエアSPSBeginnerA hardy coral related to Psammocora with a rough texture. Encrusting, with wide tolerance of light and flow.
Hydnophora (Horn Coral)コモンサンゴspsIntermediateCoral with dense small bumps (hydnophores) on surface. Between LPS and SPS in care. Fast-growing with beautiful fluorescent green. Aggressive — careful placement needed.Related care articles
SPS Coral Infections and Disease Prevention | Distinguishing White Spot Disease, Planula Settlement Disease, and Mixed Infections
When SPS corals contract infections, multiple warning signals appear. The initial sign is fading color and loss of translucency, where healthy specimens lose their transparency and vibrant coloration. White Spot Disease produces numerous microscopic white lesions on the coral's surface, and as the condition progresses, it spreads across the entire body. This is a typical symptom of parasitic or bacterial infection. Another form of infection, Planula Settlement Disease, occurs immediately after larval settlement and causes newly settled small colonies to necrose rapidly.
SPS Corals Other than Acropora | Cultivation Characteristics of Pocillopora, Seriatopora, and Stylophora
While SPS corals are often exemplified by Acropora (staghorn coral), there are many other species with different growth patterns such as branching and massive forms, including Pocillopora and Seriatopora. This article introduces the characteristics and cultivation considerations for each.
Montipora Morphological Classification and Rearing Environment | Understanding the Differences from Acropora
As a representative SPS species, Montipora exhibits diverse growth forms that differ from Acropora, another SPS type. This article explains the characteristics of each form—digitate, plate, and encrusting—and how to optimize light, water flow, and nutrient environments for each.
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