Purple War Favia

Purple War Favia: A Striking, Hardy LPS for Your Reef

The Purple War Favia is a standout large-polyp stony (LPS) coral prized for its deep purple base and contrasting green or neon mouths. It’s an excellent choice for hobbyists who want bold color without demanding care requirements, making it a favorite in mixed reef tanks.

Appearance & Natural Behavior

This coral forms a dome or encrusting colony made up of individual polygon-shaped corallites. Under blue LEDs, the purple base intensifies while the mouths glow vividly, creating a dramatic “war paint” look.

At night, it extends sweeper tentacles to feed and defend its territory. This means placement and spacing are important to protect nearby corals from stings.

Caring for Purple War Favia

Overall, care is moderate and well within reach of most reef keepers. Focus on stable parameters and thoughtful placement.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 76–79°F (24–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity
  • Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
  • Calcium: 400–450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
  • Nitrates: 2–15 ppm; Phosphates: 0.03–0.08 ppm

Lighting & Flow

  • Light: Low to moderate PAR (70–150). Too much light can cause fading or tissue recession.
  • Placement: Lower half of the tank, on rockwork or sand where light is not overly intense.
  • Flow: Low to moderate, indirect flow that keeps detritus off the tissue but doesn’t whip the polyps.

Tip: Start your Purple War Favia in lower light and gradually move it up if coloration dulls. Sudden high light is a common cause of stress.

Feeding & Growth

While this coral houses zooxanthellae and can obtain energy from light, supplemental feeding supports better color and growth.

  • Target feed 1–2 times per week with small meaty foods (mysis, finely chopped seafood, or quality coral foods).
  • Feed at night or just after lights dim, when feeding tentacles are extended.
  • Turn off pumps briefly to keep food in contact with the mouths.

Placement, Compatibility & Long-Term Success

Because of its sweeper tentacles, give your Purple War Favia a buffer zone from other LPS and soft corals.

  • Leave 2–3 inches of space around the colony.
  • Avoid placing it directly next to delicate species like acans or chalices.
  • Watch for tissue recession along the edges, which can signal irritation or parameter swings.

For more on keeping your reef stable for LPS corals, see our guide to LPS coral care and stability. If you’re planning a mixed reef, our article on beginner reef tank stocking ideas can help you choose compatible tank mates.

With proper placement, moderate lighting, and occasional feeding, the Purple War Favia can reward you with years of rich color and eye-catching contrast in your reef aquarium.