Ultra Green Cynarina (🇮🇩)

CYNARINA (BUTTON CORAL) CARE GUIDE

Cynarina corals, often called Button Corals, Doughnut Corals, or Cat’s Eye Corals (Cynarina lacrymalis), are large polyp stony (LPS) corals prized for their vibrant colors and fleshy, inflated appearance. They are generally hardy but more sensitive than Trachy corals, requiring careful placement and stable conditions.

Lighting:

Moderate to low lighting is ideal, around 50–100 PAR. Cynarinas can expand dramatically under proper light but may bleach under high intensity. Acclimate slowly to any lighting changes, especially when moving from low to high light environments.

Water Flow:

Provide low to moderate, indirect water flow. Strong currents can cause the coral’s tissue to retract or tear. The goal is to keep gentle movement across the coral without causing its large polyp to sway aggressively.

Placement:

Best placed on the sandbed or a flat, smooth rock surface in the lower to mid-levels of the tank. Avoid sharp rock edges that can damage the soft underside. Allow at least 4–6 inches of space from neighboring corals to prevent contact.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
  Cynarinas prefer stable, nutrient-balanced water. Rapid parameter shifts can lead to deflation, tissue recession, or bacterial infections.

Feeding:

Although photosynthetic, Cynarinas benefit greatly from regular feeding 1–2 times per week. Offer small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood. Feed during evening hours or when feeding tentacles are extended. Temporarily turn off water flow to allow food capture.

Behavior and Compatibility:

Cynarinas are peaceful but have very delicate tissue. Avoid contact with aggressive LPS or SPS corals, and keep away from fish or invertebrates that might nip or pick at them. Their large, inflated polyp can retract significantly if stressed but will recover under stable conditions.

Health Tips:

• Avoid air exposure during handling or transfer.
• Ensure substrate is clean to prevent sand or debris from irritating tissue.
• Watch for brown jelly infections—remove affected tissue immediately if spotted.
• Maintain consistent nutrient levels; overly sterile systems can cause starvation or fading.