top of page

Cynarina Lacrymalis

The beautiful, ultra colors of this coral will draw you in as the jewel of your reef. Generally not aggressive and easy to maintain make this an excellent choice for beginner reefers to the most experienced.

Cynarina lacrymalis is a species of large polyp stony (LPS) coral in the family Lobophylliidae. Other common names include Button, Doughnut, Tooth, Cat's Eye. This kind of coral can be found around the western coast of the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

Cynarina lacrymalis is a solitary coral with a single polyp nestled in a corallite. The coral can grow to be 15 centimeters (6 inches) round and oval on top with cylindrical sides which taper down into the sand. There are about twenty broad white radially arranged septa joined to the corallite wall, with secondary septa between. The coral has large, rounded lobes and the central axial structure inside of each corallite is relatively short. The septa can be seen through the transparent, fleshy body which contains symbiotic zooxanthellae or flagellates that give coral its color. The color in this coral can range from brown, green, pink, red, or even rainbow, with a contrasting oral disc. The color also depends on which species of zooxanthellae take up residence. The coral can change its surface from glossy to dull, but it is not yet known why. Polyps extend their tentacles at night to feed, which resemble sea anemones.

In natural habitats, it can be found on the hard bottom, in muddy sediments, or attached under overhangs. It has a pointed base and can be embedded in sand or survive unattached. Commonly found facing upwards in turbid waters around 5 meters (15 ft.) on inshore reefs.

Overview

Waterflow

Low

Lighting

Low - Moderate

Feeding

Feeds off the products of their zooxanthella, but will appreciate micro-plankton, brine shrimp, cyclops, rotifers, daphnia or zooplankton.

Location Orgins

Feeds off the products of their zooxanthella, but will appreciate micro-plankton, brine shrimp, cyclops, rotifers, daphnia or zooplankton.

Gallery

bottom of page