Christmas War Coral Favites

Christmas War Coral Favites, Favites pentagona, is a colorful colonial stony coral known for its closely packed corallites, deeply grooved skeletal structure, and strong contrasting coloration. This specimen displays intensely saturated crimson-red tissue surrounding brilliant fluorescent yellow-green centers, creating the classic red-and-green combination reflected in its “Christmas War Coral” name. Each corallite has a distinct star-like appearance, with prominent red ridges radiating outward from the contrasting fluorescent center. As the colony grows, the individual corallites remain tightly interconnected, producing a dense, textured surface that becomes especially dramatic under reef aquarium lighting. Favites pentagona is an accepted species within the genus Favites. Like other photosynthetic reef-building corals, it receives much of its nutritional energy from symbiotic dinoflagellates living within its tissues, while its fleshy polyps can also capture appropriately sized planktonic and meaty foods. Care Guide: Scientific Name: Favites pentagona Care Level: Moderate Lighting: Low to Moderate Water Flow: Low to Moderate, indirect and variable flow Placement: Lower to middle areas of the aquarium depending on lighting intensity Temperament: Aggressive; provide adequate space from neighboring corals Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; may also benefit from occasional targeted feeding with appropriately sized planktonic or finely chopped marine foods Growth Form: Massive to encrusting colonial growth with closely packed corallites and pronounced skeletal ridges Water Parameters: Maintain stable reef aquarium temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. Keep nitrate and phosphate measurable and reasonably stable rather than excessively low. Special Considerations: Avoid strong direct flow that can interfere with normal tissue expansion. Gradually acclimate the coral to brighter lighting. Provide generous space from neighboring corals because Favites can extend sweeper tentacles beyond the visible colony margin, particularly after lights-out.