Pavona Coral
Pavona duerdeniVaughan, 1907Species
An SPS coral spreading in thin plate form. Unique spiral patterns and fast growth are attractive.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonPavona Coral
- Commonパボナコーラル
Overview
Pavona (family Agariciidae) is a genus of small-polyp stony corals widespread on shallow Indo-Pacific reef flats and slopes. Growth forms range from thin plates and leafy laminae to columns and short branches, with shape often dictated by local light and flow conditions. Dense star-shaped polyps cover the surface in shades of green, brown, pink, and purple. Pavona is considerably hardier than Acropora, making it an excellent entry point into SPS keeping. Moderate to high lighting (150–300 PAR) and moderate flow are recommended. Stable parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–450 ppm) support steady encrusting growth that can colonize surrounding rockwork. Fragging is simple and frags attach quickly. Pavona's resilience and adaptable morphology make it a valued foundational coral in reef aquariums.
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—Prefers medium to strong light
- Flow—Medium flow is suitable
- Growth—Fast growing, easier among SPS
- Notes—Thin plate form is fragile to physical impact
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Pavona duerdeni, 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.
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.