War Coral
The War Coral is a hardy and colourful encrusting LPS coral that adds serious visual impact to a reef aquarium. A member of the Favites family, this coral is well known for its bold colour contrast, textured surface, and ability to slowly spread across rockwork over time.
Its common name comes from the intense colour patterns often seen across the colony, with contrasting rings, mouths, and base colours that can look like different pigments competing for space. Depending on the individual piece, War Corals may show combinations of red, green, orange, purple, or other striking tones under reef lighting.
War Coral is a great option for reef keepers wanting a tough, eye-catching coral for the lower or middle sections of the tank. It is generally forgiving in stable reef conditions, but it does need space from neighbouring corals due to its aggressive nature.
Why Choose a War Coral?
- Hardy encrusting LPS coral
- Bold colour contrast under reef lighting
- Great for adding texture to rockwork
- Slowly spreads over the surface it is placed on
- Excellent choice for mixed reef tanks and LPS gardens
- Suitable for lower to mid-level placement
Care Requirements
War Coral prefers low to moderate lighting, with a PAR range of around 75–150 being suitable for most reef aquariums. Avoid placing it under very intense lighting, as this may cause colour fading or stress.
Water flow should be moderate and indirect. The flow needs to be strong enough to prevent detritus from settling on the coral’s surface, but not so strong that the fleshy tissue is blasted or irritated.
Although War Coral is photosynthetic, it can benefit from occasional feeding. Offer small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, or suitable LPS coral foods once a week to support growth, colour, and overall health.
Recommended Water Parameters
- Calcium: 420–440 ppm
- Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
- Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
- Nitrate: low but detectable
- Phosphate: low but stable
Placement & Compatibility
War Coral is an aggressive coral and may extend sweeper tentacles, especially at night. These can sting nearby corals, so allow several inches of space around the colony.
Because it grows by encrusting over rockwork, it is best placed on a rock where it has room to spread without growing into other corals. Avoid placing it too close to peaceful LPS, soft corals, SPS corals, or any coral that may be damaged by contact.
Best For
- Reef aquariums
- Mixed reef tanks
- LPS coral gardens
- Lower to middle rock placement
- Reef keepers wanting a hardy coral
- Aquarists wanting colour, contrast, and texture
The War Coral is a strong choice for adding colour and natural-looking growth to a reef aquarium. With stable water parameters, moderate indirect flow, suitable lighting, and enough space from other corals, it can become a bold and reliable feature in your marine tank.
