Watermelon Favia

The Watermelon Favia is a stunning large-polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its vibrant green and red coloration, resembling the look of a watermelon. It features bright green mouths with a deep red or pink base, making it a standout addition to reef tanks. Native to the Indo-Pacific, this coral is relatively hardy and a great choice for both beginner and experienced reef keepers.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano (20+ gallons) and larger reef tanks.
• Temperament: Moderate aggression – can extend sweeper tentacles at night, so space it away from other corals.
• Lighting: Moderate to low (PAR 75-150); prefers indirect lighting to avoid bleaching.
• Flow: Moderate – too much flow can cause tissue damage, but too little may lead to detritus buildup.
• Placement: Best placed on lower rockwork or the sandbed, allowing space for growth and avoiding coral warfare.
• Feeding:
  • Carnivorous – benefits from target feeding 1-2 times per week with reef-specific foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and coral pellets.
  • Also derives nutrients from photosynthesis via its zooxanthellae.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.024-1.026
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
  • Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: 5-10 ppm, PO₄: 0.03-0.07 ppm)
• Compatibility: Best kept with other LPS corals, but ensure at least 3-4 inches of space to prevent aggressive sweeper tentacle attacks at night.

The Watermelon Favia is an excellent coral for adding color and texture to a reef tank. It is resilient, visually striking, and relatively easy to care for, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned reefers. With stable water parameters and occasional feeding, it will thrive and develop even more intense coloration over time.