Elegance corals (Catalaphyllia jardinei) are large-polyp stony (LPS) corals known for their long, flowing tentacles and striking coloration. They often display vibrant shades of green, purple, pink, or yellow, sometimes with contrasting tips, making them a dramatic centerpiece in reef aquariums. Their broad, fleshy polyp extends outward from a cone-shaped skeleton, and when fully expanded, their tentacles sway gracefully in the current, giving them a soft, anemone-like appearance and movement.
For care, Elegance corals prefer low to moderate lighting and gentle, indirect water flow that allows their tentacles to move without being blasted. They are best placed on the sand bed where their delicate tissue will not be damaged by rockwork. Stable water conditions are essential (temperature ~76–80°F, salinity ~1.025, alkalinity 8–9 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm), as they can be sensitive to fluctuations. Provide adequate space, as their tentacles can sting nearby corals. While they receive much of their energy from photosynthesis, they benefit from occasional feedings of small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood to support growth and overall health.
