Red War Coral

War coral, often referred to as *Favites pentagona*, is a type of large polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its vibrant colors and somewhat aggressive nature. It is a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and relative ease of care. Here’s an in-depth look at war coral:

### Description
– **Appearance**: War coral typically features a mix of intense red or maroon colors with contrasting green or yellow centers. The polyps are relatively large, and the coral has a boulder-like or encrusting growth form.
– **Structure**: The coral forms dense, interlocking structures with multiple polyps sharing walls. This growth pattern can create a visually appealing texture in the aquarium.

### Care Requirements
– **Lighting**: Moderate to high lighting is suitable for war corals. They can adapt to various lighting conditions, but too much light can cause bleaching, and too little light can lead to dull colors.
– **Water Flow**: Moderate water flow is ideal. Adequate flow helps to prevent detritus buildup and ensures that the coral receives necessary nutrients.
– **Water Parameters**: Stable water conditions are essential for the health of war corals. Ideal parameters include:
– Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
– Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
– pH: 8.1-8.4
– Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
– Calcium: 400-450 ppm
– Magnesium: 1200-1350 ppm

### Feeding
– **Diet**: While war corals are photosynthetic, they benefit from supplemental feeding. They can consume small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and specially formulated coral foods.
– **Frequency**: Feeding 1-2 times a week can promote growth and enhance coloration.

### Placement in Aquarium
– **Position**: Place the coral in areas with moderate light and flow. War corals can be positioned on the sand bed or attached to live rock in the middle to lower regions of the tank.
– **Spacing**: Due to their aggressive nature and ability to extend long sweeper tentacles, provide ample space between war corals and other corals to prevent stinging and damage.

### Compatibility
– **Tankmates**: War corals can be aggressive toward neighboring corals, especially at night when they extend their sweeper tentacles. They are compatible with a variety of reef-safe fish and invertebrates, but care should be taken to ensure they are not placed too close to other corals.

### Propagation
– **Fragging**: War corals can be propagated through fragging. Use a sharp tool to cut a piece of the coral, ensuring that each fragment has several polyps, and attach it to a frag plug or rock in the aquarium.

### Special Considerations
– **Pest Control**: Regularly inspect war corals for pests such as flatworms and nudibranchs. Dipping new corals before introducing them to the tank can help prevent infestations.
– **Monitoring**: Keep an eye on the coral’s health and coloration. Any changes can indicate issues with water quality or lighting.

By maintaining stable water conditions, providing appropriate lighting and feeding, and ensuring sufficient space between corals, war corals can thrive and become a stunning and dynamic addition to a reef aquarium.