• Name:

    Top Hat Hydnophora

    (View AKA's)
  • Family: Merulinidae
  • Species: Hydnophora
  • Scientific Name: Hydnophora sp
More Details

Also Know As:

| Spine Coral

| Thorny Coral

| Deer Horn Coral

General info about Top Hat Hydnophora

In general, corals coming from the genus Hydnophora takes several coral lifeform like branching and arborescent. Most of its member species does not have an encrusting base and usually has an appearance that resembles like a tree. They have a unique skeletal structure like calcareous bumps that are common in areas where corallites intersect with each other.

As for the Top Hat Hydnophora, they are colored green with purple brown polyps. This are the water parameters in cultivating Top Hat Hydnophora:

  • Calcium: 385 - 425 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 2.86 - 4.29 MEQ/L (8 - 12 dKH)
  • Phosphates: 0
  • Magnesium: 1350 - 1500
  • Strontium: 8 - 10
  • Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)
  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

Top Hat Hydnophora Diet & Nutrition

The Top Hat Hydnophora get its primary nutrition from the symbiotic zooxanthellae living within its tissues. However, since they have a voracious appetite, supplemental feeding is highly recommended by adding mysis and brine shrimp.

Fragging / Propagating Top Hat Hydnophora

A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Top Hat Hydnophora. They must be set at the middle or bottom part of the tank.

Flow / Lighting Requirements for Top Hat Hydnophora

The Top Hat Hydnophora requires moderate to strong lighting and moderate waterflow.

Top Hat Hydnophora Origin

The Top Hat Hydnophora can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, particularly in Australia, Nicobar Islands, Fiji, Kyushu Islands and in the Marianas Islands. They are now considered as a near threatened species listed under Appendix II of the CITES list.

Caution Should be Taken with Top Hat Hydnophora

The Top Hat Hydnophora has an aggressive behaviour. With this, proper spacing must be observed in relation to other corals. You also have to take note that their color may fade, especially if lighting requirement is not meet.

How to Acclimate Top Hat Hydnophora

Top Hat Hydnophora is purely marine. So, therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

Stinging Tentacles on Top Hat Hydnophora

The Top Hat Hydnophora has long sweeper tentacles that can be extended and sting nearby corals.

Relevent Articles

Original Detail

Name Species Family Scientific Name More Detail Added by
Top Hat Hydnophora Hydnophora Merulinidae Hydnophora sp

In general, corals coming from the genus Hydnophora takes several coral lifeform like branching and arborescent. Most of its member species does not have an encrusting base and usually has an appearance that resembles like a tree. They have a unique skeletal structure like calcareous bumps that are common in areas where corallites intersect with each other.

As for the Top Hat Hydnophora, they are colored green with purple brown polyps. This are the water parameters in cultivating Top Hat Hydnophora:

  • Calcium: 385 - 425 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 2.86 - 4.29 MEQ/L (8 - 12 dKH)
  • Phosphates: 0
  • Magnesium: 1350 - 1500
  • Strontium: 8 - 10
  • Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)
  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
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