Achilles Branching Cyphastrea

Achilles Branching Cyphastrea: A Standout Encrusting Coral for Your Reef

The Achilles Branching Cyphastrea is a striking encrusting and branching coral that brings bold contrast and texture to mixed reef tanks. Its vivid polyps and branching growth pattern make it a favorite for aquarists who want an eye-catching piece that doesn’t demand intense lighting.

Achilles Branching Cyphastrea Care Requirements

This coral is considered moderately easy to keep, making it a great choice for hobbyists moving beyond beginner corals. It thrives in stable, low-to-moderate light systems and appreciates gentle, indirect flow.

  • Lighting: Low to moderate PAR (50–150). Too much light can cause fading or recession.
  • Flow: Low to moderate, with random, indirect currents to keep detritus off the tissue.
  • Placement: Lower rockwork or shaded areas; allow space for encrusting and branching growth.
  • Temperature: 76–78°F (24–26°C).
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity.
  • pH & Alkalinity: pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH.

Like other Cyphastrea, the Achilles variety prefers stability over perfection. Avoid rapid swings in salinity, alkalinity, or temperature, as these stress responses often show up as tissue loss along the base.

Feeding and Growth Tips

The Achilles Branching Cyphastrea hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae, but it also benefits from targeted feeding. Supplementing its diet can deepen coloration and encourage faster growth of both the encrusting base and upward branches.

  • Offer fine particulate foods such as reef roids, powdered plankton, or specialized coral foods.
  • Feed 1–2 times per week with pumps briefly turned off for better capture.
  • Maintain steady calcium (420–450 ppm) and magnesium (1300–1400 ppm) to support skeletal growth.
  • Keep nutrients moderate (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.1 ppm) for rich coloration without algae issues.

Tip: If polyps stay tightly closed for several days, check for pests, excessive flow, or sudden changes in lighting intensity.

Compatibility, Placement, and Aquascape Ideas

The Achilles Branching Cyphastrea is generally peaceful but can be irritated by aggressive neighbors. Give it breathing room from corals with long sweeper tentacles, such as some Euphyllia and certain LPS species.

  • Place on isolated rock islands to highlight its branching structure.
  • Use in shaded overhangs where high-light SPS may struggle.
  • Pair with contrasting corals—bright zoanthids or chalices—to emphasize its unique polyp pattern.

Before adding this coral, ensure your tank is mature and stable. Learn more about setting up a beginner reef tank and how to acclimate new corals safely so your Achilles Branching Cyphastrea can settle in with minimal stress.

If you’re building a diverse mixed reef, consider reading our soft and LPS coral care overview to plan compatible neighbors and create a balanced, thriving aquascape around this standout Cyphastrea.