Overview
Common name: Torch Coral
Scientific name: Euphyllia glabrescens
Type: Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Coral
Native habitat: Indo-Pacific (Fiji, Indonesia, Australia, Solomon Islands)
Appearance: Long, flowing tentacles tipped with bright colors — gold, green, purple, pink, or bicolor varieties
Behavior: Semi-aggressive; long sweeper tentacles can sting neighbors
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Tank Requirements
Parameter Ideal Range Notes
Tank size 30+ gallons Stable parameters are crucial
Temperature 77–80°F (25–27°C) Avoid rapid swings
Salinity 1.024–1.026 SG Keep stable
pH 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity 8–10 dKH
Calcium 400–450 ppm Essential for skeletal growth
Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm Helps stabilize calcium & alkalinity
Nitrates <10–15 ppm Some nutrients are beneficial
Phosphates <0.05 ppm High levels cause algae & stress
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Lighting
Moderate to high light (PAR 100–200)
Torch corals host zooxanthellae and rely heavily on photosynthesis.
Too much light can bleach them — start low and acclimate slowly.
Use LED or T5 lighting with a full reef spectrum (blue-heavy preferred).
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Water Flow
Moderate, indirect flow
The tentacles should sway gently — too much flow can tear tissue, too little can lead to debris buildup and poor gas exchange.
Aim for a gentle, randomized pattern (e.g., using wave makers on alternating cycles).
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Feeding
Torch corals are photosynthetic but also benefit from direct feeding.
Feed 1–2× per week:
Mysis shrimp
Brine shrimp (enriched)
Coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids, Coral Frenzy)
Method:
Turn off pumps → use a turkey baster or coral feeder → target-feed tentacles → restart flow after 10–15 minutes.
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Placement
Middle to lower regions of the tank
Avoid direct flow or light shock
Leave space (3–6 inches) from other corals — torch corals have long, potent sweeper tentacles (up to 6″+ at night).
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Maintenance & Stability
Regular testing of alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium.
Weekly 10–20% water changes to maintain trace elements.
Use RO/DI water to prevent impurities.
Dose 2-part or calcium reactor if you have many LPS/SPS corals.
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Compatibility
Good tank mates: Clownfish (often host), tangs, gobies, blennies, shrimp.
Avoid: Aggressive LPS (hammer, frogspawn, other torch species too close), anemones, or fast-growing soft corals that can crowd it.
(Note: Even different torch varieties can sting each other — watch for tissue recession.)
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Common Issues
Symptom Likely Cause Fix
Tissue recession Rapid parameter changes, too much flow, brown jelly disease Dip coral, improve stability
Bleaching Excess light or low nutrients Lower light, increase feeding
Brown jelly disease Bacterial infection Frag off healthy tissue, iodine dip
No polyp extension Too much flow or aggression Reposition coral, check neighbors
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Dipping & Quarantine
Always dip new torch corals before adding to your display:
Use iodine-based or coral dip solutions (e.g., CoralRX, Revive).
Inspect for flatworms, nudibranchs, or brown jelly.
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Popular Varieties
Type Color Notes
Gold Torch Bright gold tentacles Most prized & expensive
Indo Torch Long flowing tentacles Vibrant colors
Aussie Torch Thicker tentacles Typically more hardy
Dragon Soul Torch Green with gold tips High-end collector coral
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Quick Summary
Difficulty: Moderate
Growth rate: Moderate
Aggression: High
Lighting: Moderate to high
Flow: Moderate, indirect
Feeding: Optional but beneficial
