Owl Eye Favia

Owl Eye Favia, Dipsastraea sp. (commonly sold in the aquarium trade as Favia), is a massive to encrusting stony coral known for its fleshy tissue, pronounced corallite walls, and strongly contrasting color patterns. This specimen displays deep burgundy to purple tissue surrounding large, oval corallite centers edged in intense fluorescent yellow-green. The repeated dark centers surrounded by bright glowing rings create the distinctive “owl eye” appearance reflected in its name. Many corals historically sold as Favia have been reassigned to other genera, including Dipsastraea, so Dipsastraea sp. is the more scientifically conservative designation for this aquarium specimen.

Care Guide: Dipsastraea sp. generally performs well under low to moderate reef lighting with gentle to moderate, variable water movement. Flow should be sufficient to keep debris from settling between the corallites without continuously blasting the fleshy tissue. Place the coral securely on rockwork with adequate room for slow outward growth and separation from neighboring corals. Maintain stable temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium to support skeletal development. Nitrate and phosphate should remain measurable and reasonably stable rather than being driven excessively low. Photosynthesis supplies much of the coral’s energy, although occasional targeted feeding with appropriately sized marine foods can provide supplemental nutrition. Allow space from nearby corals because feeding and defensive tentacles may extend beyond the visible tissue margin, particularly after lights-out.