Leafy Pavona (Pavona cactus)
Looking for a totally unique texture to add height and dramatic structure to your reef? The Leafy Pavona, affectionately known in the hobby as the Potato Chip Coral or Cactus Coral, is a phenomenal, fast-growing species that bridges the gap beautifully between fleshy LPS and branching SPS corals.
Unlike standard plating or encrusting corals, the Pavona cactus grows aggressively upward in incredibly thin, frilly, and twisting leaf-like fronds. What makes this coral truly special is its surface—it is so densely packed with tiny polyps that extend during the day, the entire coral takes on a heavily textured, completely "fuzzy" appearance. Typically available in a glowing, highly fluorescent neon green, it adds fantastic architectural interest and a totally different growth form to your rockwork.
At UKReef Hampshire, we love the Leafy Pavona because it is exceptionally hardy. It is widely considered one of the absolute best "first SPS" corals for reefers looking to branch out, offering the fast-growing, structural look of a high-end display piece without the demanding and sensitive care requirements of an Acropora!
Quick Care Guide:
Care Level: Easy to Moderate. Highly forgiving of minor parameter swings, making it a bulletproof entry into SPS keeping. However, it still requires a mature tank with stable Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium to fuel its fast skeletal growth.
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive. ⚠️ Important: Unlike most SPS corals, Pavona actually possess stinging sweeper tentacles that they will deploy at night. Give them a little breathing room away from neighbouring corals.
Placement: Middle to High. Secure the frag firmly to your rockwork using reef putty, making sure it has plenty of vertical space to send up its twisting, leafy fronds without being obstructed.
Lighting: Moderate to High. It is highly adaptable to various lighting zones, but stronger lighting will bring out its brightest neon-green colouration and promote the tightest, frilliest growth patterns.
Water Flow: Moderate to High. This is essential. You need a strong, randomized flow to keep detritus and algae from settling in the tight, shaded crevices between its vertical leaves. Good flow also encourages thicker, more robust skeletal growth.
Feeding: Not Required, but Appreciated. It is highly photosynthetic and will thrive on lighting alone. However, because of its extremely dense, fuzzy polyps, it is a fantastic filter feeder. Broadcasting micro-plankton powders or liquid amino acids into the heavy flow will fuel explosive growth.