Candy Cane Coral
The candy cane (or trumpet) coral is one of the best beginner LPS corals - fat, rounded heads on branching stony stalks, striped like candy in green and cream, that are hardy, easy to feed, and readily grow new heads you can frag.
Updated: October 2026
AI illustration Overview
The candy cane (or trumpet) coral is one of the best beginner LPS corals - fat, rounded heads on branching stony stalks, striped like candy in green and cream, that are hardy, easy to feed, and readily grow new heads you can frag. (Caulastraea furcata.)
Origin & Habitat
Indo-Pacific reefs, in lower-light, gentle-flow areas of the reef.
Appearance
Rounded fleshy heads on trumpet-like stony branches, often two-tone green and tan with striped bodies; puffs up with water by day.
Placement & Temperament
Peaceful and not aggressive - a good community-reef LPS. Give a little room as it branches and grows outward.
Tank & Water Conditions
Salinity 1.024-1.026, 24-27°C, stable alkalinity 8-11 dKH, calcium 400-450, magnesium 1300-1350.
Lighting & Flow
Low to moderate light (about 50-120 PAR) and gentle flow.
Feeding
Photosynthetic, but grows noticeably faster with regular target feeding of small meaty foods - it extends feeder tentacles at night.
Health & Growth
Hardy and forgiving; among the first LPS corals recommended to new reefers. Splits into new heads steadily.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hardy, peaceful beginner LPS
- Easy to feed and grow
- Frags itself into new heads
Cons
- Muted colours in low light
- Needs feeding to grow fast
- Sensitive to sudden parameter swings
Everyday gear for a reef tank
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Candy Cane Coral - frequently asked questions
Does candy cane coral need to be fed at all?
It gets most of what it needs from the photosynthesis of the zooxanthellae algae living in its tissue, and also feeds on zooplankton (Wikipedia), so good light comes first and target feeding is extra.
Is candy cane coral good for beginners?
Yes - it is one of the most recommended first LPS corals: hardy, peaceful, and it grows quickly if you feed it.
How do I feed a candy cane coral?
After lights-out it extends feeding tentacles. Target-feed small meaty foods (mysis, tiny pellets) onto the heads a couple of times a week for fast growth.