Reverse Prism Favia

Reverse Prism Favia, Favia spp. and related species, is a colorful fleshy reef-building coral prized for its strongly contrasting corallites, textured tissue, and vivid fluorescent coloration. This specimen displays deep red to burnt-orange outer tissue contrasted by intense fluorescent green centers, with lighter yellow-green highlights creating a dramatic multicolor pattern across the colony.

Favia-type corals form colonies composed of individual corallites supported by a calcium carbonate skeleton and covered by fleshy living tissue. The corallites are typically distinct from one another, producing rounded valleys, raised walls, and sculpted contours across the colony surface. Depending on the specimen and degree of tissue expansion, the underlying skeletal structure may be partially obscured by the thick fleshy tissue.

The Reverse Prism Favia is especially striking because of the strong reversal of color between its dark outer tissue and brilliant fluorescent centers. Under blue-rich reef aquarium lighting, the green portions can glow intensely while the red-orange tissue maintains a deep saturated appearance, creating a high-contrast display.

These corals contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide much of their nutritional energy. They are also capable of capturing small planktonic and meaty foods when their feeding tentacles are extended. Occasional targeted feeding with appropriately sized foods may supplement photosynthesis and support tissue growth.

Stable water chemistry is important for maintaining healthy tissue and skeletal development. Consistent alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, temperature, and salinity are preferable to frequent fluctuations. Low to moderate indirect water movement allows the fleshy tissue to expand while helping prevent detritus from settling between corallites.

Favia-type corals can be aggressive toward neighboring colonies. Feeding or sweeper tentacles may extend beyond the visible tissue margin, particularly after dark, so adequate spacing should be maintained from surrounding corals.

Because exact identification among Favia and closely related genera can depend on skeletal characters and taxonomic treatment, Favia spp. and related species is the most responsible identification for this aquarium specimen rather than assigning an unsupported species name.

Care Guide:

Scientific Identification: Favia spp. and related species
Common Name: Favia / Brain Coral
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Water Flow: Low to Moderate, indirect and variable
Placement: Lower to middle areas of the aquarium depending on lighting intensity
Temperament: Aggressive; may extend sweeper tentacles and sting neighboring corals
Reef Compatibility: Reef safe with adequate spacing
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; may also benefit from occasional small meaty, planktonic, or coral-specific foods
Growth Form: Encrusting to massive reef-building colony with fleshy tissue covering distinct corallites
Water Parameters: Maintain stable reef aquarium temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. Maintain measurable and reasonably stable nitrate and phosphate levels.
Special Considerations: Allow several inches of clearance from neighboring corals because sweeper tentacles can extend beyond the colony margin, particularly at night. Avoid strong direct flow that prevents normal tissue expansion. Gradually acclimate the coral when moving it into stronger lighting, and avoid rapid changes in alkalinity, salinity, or nutrient levels.