Searchlight Favia

Searchlight Favia, Dipsastraea sp. (traditionally sold in the aquarium trade as Favia), is a colonial stony coral characterized by closely packed corallites with distinct central mouths and strongly ridged septa radiating outward across each polyp. This colony displays intense fluorescent green tissue with darker green valleys and striking patches of brilliant yellow that create the “searchlight” appearance reflected in its name. Colonies grow by producing additional corallites across a shared skeleton, gradually forming dense rounded or encrusting masses. These corals contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide much of their nutritional energy, while the individual polyps can also capture plankton and appropriately sized foods. Indo-Pacific corals historically placed in Favia have undergone major taxonomic revision, and specimens of this general aquarium form are now typically placed within Dipsastraea. Because the exact species cannot be established reliably from appearance alone, Dipsastraea sp. is the appropriate scientific designation.

Care Guide: Dipsastraea sp. generally performs well under low to moderate reef lighting with gentle to moderate, variable water movement. Strong direct flow can prevent full tissue expansion, while insufficient circulation may allow debris to collect between the corallites. Place the colony on stable rockwork with room for growth and adequate separation from neighboring corals. 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. Photosynthesis provides much of the coral's energy, but occasional targeted feeding with finely chopped marine foods or appropriately sized planktonic foods may support growth. Provide extra space at night because many massive stony corals can extend feeding or defensive tentacles beyond the daytime tissue margin.