Why does my CB Angel Eye Favia show bright “eyes” at night but look dull by day?

Favia favus inflates polyps and extends feeder tentacles after lights out, exposing fluorescent pigments concentrated around corallite mouths (“eyes”). Under strong daytime intensity it may keep tissue tighter, muting the glow. Try a dusk/dawn ramp, moderate PAR (80–150), and stable nutrients. A brief blue-only viewing period at night reveals peak fluorescence without stressing the coral.

How far can its sweeper tentacles reach, and which neighbors are most at risk?

Sweepers commonly reach 2–4 inches, sometimes more in higher flow. They pack potent nematocysts that can burn other LPS and zoanthids; chalices and acans are frequent casualties. Give 4–6 inches clearance, aim flow to carry sweepers away from prized neighbors, and avoid placing it downstream of sensitive fleshy corals. Nighttime observations help confirm safe spacing.

My “Angel Eye” started receding from the base while new heads still feed—what’s the likely cause?

This pattern points to alk/calcium instability or vermetid snail irritation rather than lighting alone. Check dKH drift, maintain steady Ca/Mg, and look for mucous threads from vermetids abrading tissue. Improve flow around the base, epoxy over offending snail tubes, and run a brief iodine dip if recession edges are ragged. Resume small, frequent feedings to support recovery.

Why did the center “eye” colors shift after I increased blue light?

The species can upregulate or downregulate fluorescent proteins with spectral changes. Increased blue often boosts fluorescence but can mask underlying pigments or push the coral to shed some chromoproteins. Balance spectrum with moderate white/UV, keep PAR stable for 2–3 weeks, and avoid rapid nutrient reductions. Mild target feeding at night supports pigment redevelopment while the coral acclimates.

CB Angel Eye Favia Coral

Favia

Overview

CB Angel Eye Favia Coral shows round, raised corallites with contrasting centers and rims. Scientifically Favia favus, it is a stony, colonial brain coral that prefers moderate lighting and low to moderate, steady water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for energy but accepts small meaty foods at night, which can boost growth and maintain color. Place with space around it, as night sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Easy

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Moderate, indirect

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Semi-aggressive (4–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped krill or clam, copepods, zooplankton, microplankton, coral-specific powdered foods

Care & Placement

CB Angel Eye Favia Coral (Favia favus) thrives with stable, moderate conditions. Provide moderate to low light (PAR ~60–120); start on the lower end and increase slowly over 2–3 weeks using a light acclimation schedule or mesh screens to avoid bleaching. Aim for moderate, indirect flow that keeps detritus from settling without whipping tissue. Target feed 1–2 times weekly at dusk with small meaty foods (mysis, finely chopped seafood, reef roids), which supports growth and coloration. Maintain temperature 76–79°F, salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Favia is sensitive to rapid swings—especially alkalinity and salinity—so test regularly and adjust slowly.Place low to mid in the tank on stable rock with mild shade if lighting is strong; keep the base clear of sand to prevent abrasion. Leave 3–6 inches from neighbors, as night sweeper tentacles can reach several inches. Semi‑aggressive toward other corals; compatible with peaceful fish and inverts that won’t pick at tissue. Acclimate with a 30–45 minute drip and consider an iodine or broad‑spectrum coral dip before placement. Common issues: bleaching from excess light, recession from low alkalinity or poor flow, and detritus buildup at the rim. Troubleshooting: reduce light intensity, improve indirect flow, correct parameters gradually, and resume gentle feeding to aid recovery. Stability and patience are key.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the CB Angel Eye Favia Coral

Why does my CB Angel Eye Favia show bright “eyes” at night but look dull by day?

Favia favus inflates polyps and extends feeder tentacles after lights out, exposing fluorescent pigments concentrated around corallite mouths (“eyes”). Under strong daytime intensity it may keep tissue tighter, muting the glow. Try a dusk/dawn ramp, moderate PAR (80–150), and stable nutrients. A brief blue-only viewing period at night reveals peak fluorescence without stressing the coral.
How far can its sweeper tentacles reach, and which neighbors are most at risk?

Sweepers commonly reach 2–4 inches, sometimes more in higher flow. They pack potent nematocysts that can burn other LPS and zoanthids; chalices and acans are frequent casualties. Give 4–6 inches clearance, aim flow to carry sweepers away from prized neighbors, and avoid placing it downstream of sensitive fleshy corals. Nighttime observations help confirm safe spacing.
My “Angel Eye” started receding from the base while new heads still feed—what’s the likely cause?

This pattern points to alk/calcium instability or vermetid snail irritation rather than lighting alone. Check dKH drift, maintain steady Ca/Mg, and look for mucous threads from vermetids abrading tissue. Improve flow around the base, epoxy over offending snail tubes, and run a brief iodine dip if recession edges are ragged. Resume small, frequent feedings to support recovery.
Why did the center “eye” colors shift after I increased blue light?

The species can upregulate or downregulate fluorescent proteins with spectral changes. Increased blue often boosts fluorescence but can mask underlying pigments or push the coral to shed some chromoproteins. Balance spectrum with moderate white/UV, keep PAR stable for 2–3 weeks, and avoid rapid nutrient reductions. Mild target feeding at night supports pigment redevelopment while the coral acclimates.

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