Strawberry Lemonade Cyphastrea: The Pink and Yellow Contrast

The Strawberry Lemonade Cyphastrea (Cyphastrea species) is a highly unique and visually appealing Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral, celebrated for its sweet, pastel color combination. This specific strain is characterized by a strikingly vibrant pink to reddish-pink base that is densely dotted with contrasting bright lemon yellow or pale green polyps. The coloration provides a beautiful, delicate look that stands out in a mixed reef.

The Strawberry Lemonade Cyphastrea is a vigorous encrusting coral, spreading readily across rockwork in a massive and plating morphology. Its bright colors are best maintained under moderate light intensity and stable, clean water conditions. It offers a unique visual break from the typically deep blues and greens of other corals, thriving particularly well on vertical rock surfaces.

This coral is considered Easy to Moderate in care. It is highly tolerant of fluctuations in flow and is much hardier than most high-end Acropora or delicate Montipora species, making it an excellent candidate for the intermediate hobbyist.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic but is also an opportunistic Carnivore. It relies on zooxanthellae for most of its energy but benefits from active night feeding.
• Feeding: Supplemental target feeding is highly beneficial for supporting rapid encrusting growth and maintaining its vibrant color saturation. The polyps are large and receptive to fine particulate foods. Feed 2-3 times per week with fine foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders like Reef Roids and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Passive. Cyphastrea species are known for being non-aggressive and do not extend long, powerful sweeper tentacles. However, always ensure aggressive LPS species (like Euphyllia) are not placed close enough to sting its delicate, growing edge.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It thrives best on mid-to-lower rockwork where it receives moderate light and moderate, non-turbulent water flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with low to moderate nutrient levels (Nitrate < 10 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-10.0), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm). Demands Moderate PAR lighting (100-250 PAR).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cyphastrea sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Strawberry Lemonade Cyphastrea
• Other Common Names: Pink Base Yellow Polyp Cyphastrea, Pastel Cyphastrea
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can encrust indefinitely; forms large, beautiful sheets.
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, non-aggressive option for rockwork)
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate