Favia Brain Coral

Favia sp. is one of the classic large-polyp stony (LPS) coral genera, forming sturdy, rounded dome-shaped colonies with a distinctive brain-like surface created by tightly packed individual corallites separated by clear individual walls. Each polyp within those corallites extends fully at night to feed on zooplankton, and under high-quality reef lighting the colony can display spectacular fluorescent green, yellow, orange, or brown coloration depending on the specific morph. Favia is both photosynthetic (relying on symbiotic zooxanthellae for a significant portion of its nutrition) and capable of actively capturing prey from the water column. It is among the more resilient LPS coral genera and is well suited to intermediate reef aquarists building their first LPS collection.

Position in medium to moderate light with gentle, indirect water flow — avoid placing directly in strong current which can stress the polyps. Supplement photosynthetic nutrition with weekly target feeding using Reef-Roids, copepods, or specialized LPS coral foods. Allow at least 15 cm of clearance from neighboring corals as Favia can extend short sweeper tentacles to defend territory at night. Maintain stable alkalinity (8–11 dKH), calcium (400–450 ppm), and magnesium (1250–1350 ppm).