The Trumpet Coral (Caulastrea furcata), also commonly known as the Candy Cane Coral, is an enduring favorite among beginner and experienced reef hobbyists alike. It is widely admired for its hardy constitution, attractive branching structure, and luminous circular polyps.

Physical Description

This branching stony coral forms neat trumpet-shaped calcified branches capped with fleshy, rounded polyp heads. Polyps showcase vivid neon green, turquoise, or mint centers encircled by concentric outer rings of chocolate brown or cream that glow under actinic spectrums.

Distribution and Habitat

Caulastrea furcata is widely distributed throughout the warm shallow coral reefs of Indonesia and the Western Pacific. It commonly colonizes shallow lagoons, protected back-reefs, and sandy reef rubble zones in clear tropical waters.

Lighting and Flow Requirements

Low to moderate lighting is ideal to maintain bright coloration and prevent tissue retraction. Low to moderate water flow provides gentle circulation that delivers nutrients without buffeting or tearing the delicate polyp tissue.

Feeding and Nutrition

While sustaining itself primarily through symbiotic algae, it extends short feeder tentacles at night to capture suspended microplankton, enriched mysis, and powdered coral foods.

Placement and Compatibility

Place this peaceful coral in the lower section of the aquarium on stable rockwork or lower sand rubble. It coexists peacefully with most non-aggressive reef invertebrates.

Conservation Status

Natural colonies are abundant and securely distributed across tropical Indo-Pacific reefs. Sustainable collection practices ensure stable populations. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.