Species Name: Tubastrea faulkneri

Authority: Wells, 1982

Common Name: Orange Polyp/Rose/Sun Coral

Range: Widespread - Red Sea, Caribbean, and Indo-Pacific Ocean

Natural Environment: Along vertical walls, overhangs and inside caves

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 74 to 83°F (23 - 28°C). To maintain it should be hand fed small pieces of fresh fish flesh, clam, shrimp, or fortified adult live brine shrimp. To get the polyps open during the day for feeding, I suggest placing some defrosted mysis shrimp in the aquarium. Prefers moderate to swift water movement and should be located in an indirect light areas/cave areas.

Be aware there is a small snail, Epitonium billeeanum, commonly called a 'Wentletrap’ snail that feeds exclusively upon Tubastrea coccinea. (Clicking on the underlined name of this snail will bring up a photo of it.) The shell and mantle of this snail is bright orange or yellow, making it difficult to see. Inspect all specimens of Tubastrea carefully and remove these predators.

There’s also a slug, Phestilla melanobranchia, that feeds solely upon Tubastrea. If it feeds on an orange polyp, its orange colored. If it feeds upon a black polyp, it’s a black color.