Green Cactus Pavona Coral

Green Cactus Pavona Coral, Pavona sp., is a colonial stony coral known for forming thin, upright plates and irregular leafy blades that can develop into a distinctive cactus-like growth form. This colony shows olive to brown-green tissue with brighter fluorescent green highlights concentrated along the growing margins and edges. The surface is covered with closely packed corallites that create a finely textured appearance across the plates. Pavona corals contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide much of their nutritional energy, while the small polyps may also capture fine suspended plankton and organic particles. Because species-level identification within Pavona cannot be established reliably from appearance alone, Pavona sp. is the most scientifically appropriate designation.

Care Guide: Pavona sp. generally does best under moderate to strong reef lighting with moderate to strong, variable water movement. Good flow helps keep detritus from settling between the plates and supports gas exchange across the colony. Place on stable rockwork with enough room for the coral to expand upward and outward as new plates develop. Maintain stable temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium to support skeletal growth. Nitrate and phosphate should remain measurable and stable rather than being driven excessively low. Most nutrition is obtained through photosynthesis, although fine planktonic foods and suspended particulate matter can provide supplemental nutrition. Provide separation from neighboring corals because Pavona can be competitive and may irritate nearby colonies through direct contact or extended mesenterial filaments.