019 WYSWIYG Pavona frondifera

019 – Pavona frondifera (Cactus Coral)
Scientific Name: Pavona frondifera
Type: SPS Coral (Encrusting / Leafing)

Overview

This WYSIWYG frag of Pavona frondifera features a broad, flowing leaf structure with tightly ridged skeletal detail and a warm tan-to-olive coloration. Under actinic lighting, the coral shows subtle fluorescent highlights across its valleys and ridges, giving it a gentle shimmer. This is a hardy and unique coral with a growth pattern that adds movement and structure to SPS-dominant and mixed reefs alike.

Pavona frondifera is well-suited for reefers looking to branch into easier SPS species without the high-maintenance demands of Acropora. Once established, this coral encrusts quickly and produces undulating ridges and shelf-like growth.

Care Requirements

Lighting:
Moderate to high (PAR 150–300). Will adapt to a wide range but displays better form and texture under consistent, elevated lighting conditions.

Water Flow:
Moderate to high. Needs indirect but chaotic flow to prevent detritus accumulation and support plate development.

Placement:
Mid to upper level. Secure to rockwork with space for lateral and vertical expansion. Ideal for vertical surfaces or sloping rock shelves.

Feeding:
Primarily photosynthetic. May benefit from occasional broadcast feeding with fine particulate foods like reef roids or amino acids.

Aggression Level:
Low. Does not extend long sweepers but can overgrow slow-growing encrusting neighbors.

Growth Rate:
Moderate to fast under stable conditions. Begins encrusting first and gradually forms leafing ridges.

Difficulty:
Moderate. Easier than branching SPS; a great introduction to structured SPS care with good visual payoff.

Additional Notes

This particular frag has already started forming curved edges and shows a healthy, growing margin—indicating active encrusting behavior. Pavona frondifera is an excellent option for aquascapes that need surface texture and vertical dimension without intense care requirements.

The coral’s structure also makes it a great candidate for capturing flow and light from multiple angles, making it adaptable across different tank layouts.