What Makes Achilles Branching Cyphastrea Special?

Achilles Branching Cyphastrea is a hardy, encrusting-and-branching SPS coral that’s perfect for hobbyists who want color and texture without the fuss of high-maintenance acros. Its polyps stay extended most of the time, giving it a fuzzy, glowing look under blue lights.

Ideal basic parameters:

• Temperature: 76–78°F (24–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026
• Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
• Calcium: 420–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm

Stability matters more than chasing exact numbers. Sudden swings will hurt Cyphastrea faster than slightly “off” parameters.

Placement, Lighting, and Flow Tips

Achilles Branching Cyphastrea prefers moderate conditions and will punish you if blasted with light or flow too quickly.

Lighting

• PAR target: 75–150 PAR
• Start the frag in the lower third of the tank and slowly move it up over 3–4 weeks if you want faster growth.
• If you see the tissue paling or receding at the tips, reduce intensity or shorten the photoperiod.

Flow & Placement

• Aim for moderate, indirect flow that keeps detritus off the branches but doesn’t bend the polyps over.
• Place it on a small rock “island” or isolated ledge; Cyphastrea will encrust quickly and can grow over nearby frags.
• Leave space for future branching so you can frag clean, vertical pieces later.

Feeding & Maintenance

• Achilles Branching Cyphastrea does well in tanks with regular fish feeding and light nutrient levels (NO₃ 5–15 ppm, PO₄ 0.03–0.1 ppm).
• Target feed a fine coral food once or twice a week with pumps on low; look for increased polyp extension as a sign it’s feeding.
• Inspect the base regularly for algae or sponges and gently brush them away before they creep under the tissue.

Dial in these basics, and your Achilles Branching Cyphastrea will reward you with dense, colorful branches that look great from across the room.