Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei)
The Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei) is a spectacular large polyp stony (LPS) coral renowned for its sweeping tentacles and dramatic presence. With its large, fleshy polyp and flowing movement, this coral quickly becomes a centrepiece within the reef aquarium, adding both colour and graceful motion to the display.
 
Colour & Appearance
Elegance corals are known for their vibrant colouration, commonly displaying shades of bright green, gold, pink or cream with contrasting purple or coloured tentacle tips. When fully expanded, the long tentacles gently sway in the current, creating a soft, elegant movement that gives the coral its name. Under blue spectrum lighting, the colours intensify and the tentacle tips often glow with beautiful fluorescence.
 
Placement & Flow Requirements
Catalaphyllia jardinei thrives under moderate lighting and prefers gentle to moderate, indirect water flow. Avoid strong, direct flow which can cause the coral to remain retracted. Best positioned on the sand bed or lower rockwork where it has room to expand fully.
 
Care Level & Compatibility
Elegance corals are best suited to stable reef aquariums with consistent water parameters. They benefit from occasional feeding of small meaty foods and should be given adequate space, as their tentacles can extend and potentially sting nearby corals.
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 24–26°C
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
 
Summary
With its flowing tentacles, vibrant colours and impressive size when fully expanded, the Elegance Coral is a stunning showpiece that adds movement, character and beauty to any reef aquarium.