Cushion Coral Cladocora Aespitosa

Cushion Coral Cladocora Aespitosa

£149.99

SKU: STF-MARINE-MISSING-CRITTERS-65 Category:

Description

Cushion Coral (Cladocora caespitosa)

(Also known as the Mediterranean Cushion Coral or Colonial Cushion Coral)

Overview

The Cushion Coral (Cladocora caespitosa) is a hardy, colonial large-polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its rounded, cushion-like colonies composed of tightly packed tubular corallites. Each polyp is large and fleshy, expanding beautifully under gentle flow to form a soft, pillow-shaped surface. Colours range from cream, tan, and brown to golden-green or olive hues, often with fluorescent highlights under actinic lighting. This species is slow-growing but very resilient, making it ideal for stable, mature reef aquariums.

Origin

Native to the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including coastal regions of Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Adriatic Sea. It inhabits rocky reef slopes, caves, and sheltered coastal zones from shallow waters down to depths of 40 meters (130 feet).

Feeding

C. caespitosa is photosynthetic, containing zooxanthellae that provide most of its energy needs through photosynthesis. However, supplemental feeding helps maintain colour and promote tissue growth:

  • Fine zooplankton, rotifers, or phytoplankton

  • Marine snow or coral micro foods

  • Finely chopped meaty foods (occasionally, 1–2 times weekly)

Target feeding at night or during periods of polyp extension is most effective.

Lighting

Moderate lighting. Cushion Coral thrives under moderate, full-spectrum lighting from LED, T5, or metal halidesystems.

  • PAR range: 100–200 µmol/m²/s

  • Too much light can cause retraction or bleaching; acclimate slowly when moving to brighter zones.

  • Blue and actinic lighting accentuate its natural fluorescence.

Water Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, variable current is ideal to keep the polyps clean and ensure proper gas exchange without damaging the fleshy tissue. Avoid strong, direct jets.

Placement

  • Place in the mid to lower regions of the aquarium on stable rockwork or the substrate.

  • Ensure the colony has space for slow but steady outward expansion.

  • Avoid sharp surfaces that can irritate the coral’s soft polyps.

Tank Mates

Peaceful and reef safe. Suitable with:

  • All reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)

  • Shrimp, snails, hermits, and other invertebrates

  • Other LPS and soft corals placed at a respectful distance

Avoid:

  • Aggressive or fast-growing corals that may encroach (e.g., Euphyllia, Galaxea, Hydnophora)

  • Large angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip its polyps

Aggression

Peaceful. Cladocora does not possess long sweeper tentacles and is generally non-aggressive. Maintain several centimetres of spacing to prevent competition or accidental contact.

Experience Level

Beginner to intermediate. Hardy, tolerant, and slow-growing, Cladocora caespitosa adapts well to stable aquarium conditions and is suitable for aquarists seeking a resilient and unusual Mediterranean coral.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • Hardness (dKH): 8–12

  • Calcium: 400–450 ppm

  • Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

  • Nitrate: <10 ppm

  • Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) for long-term stability

Maintain consistent calcium and alkalinity levels to support slow but steady skeletal development.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Cushion Coral is a robust and peaceful addition to mixed reef aquariums, offering unique texture and natural form. Its rounded colonies and subtle fluorescence make it an excellent contrast to branching or plating corals. Ideal for aquarists looking to include a hardy Mediterranean species in their reef display.

STANDARD DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. We will contact you via email within 24 hours of purchase with your confirmed delivery date.: £20.00

 

SATURDAY STANDARD DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –  Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. We will contact you via email within 24 hours of purchase with your confirmed delivery date.: £30.00

 

INSURED DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –Wednesday,Thursday, Friday. Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. Insurance covers Damage, Delay, Loss or temperature issues. Instant replacement shipped the next day upon receipt of supporting photographs.: £30.00

 

SATURDAY INSURED DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. Insurance covers Damage, Delay, Loss or temperature issues. Instant replacement shipped the next day upon receipt of supporting photographs.: £40.00

 

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We Deliver Our Standard Service To Retail Customers Through Our Livestock Licensed Courier DX On A Wednesday, Thursday, Friday And Saturday Every Week.

Our Service Level Agreement With The Courier Is That The Fish Will Be Collected From Us In The Evening Prior To Your Delivery Date And Delivered The Next Day Before 1pm In The Condition And Temperature That They Were Collected In. 

All Your Tracking Information Will Be Sent To You Directly By The Courier Dx The Evening Before Your Delivery Date When Your Box Is Collected From The Supplier. You Will Also Receive A Text Message From The Courier Around 9am On Your Delivery Day With Your Time Slot. You Must Ensure Someone Is At The Delivery Address On Your Delivery Date To Receive The Livestock.

INSURED STANDARD DELIVERY SATURDAY

Insured Delivery On A Saturday Is £40 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. We Are Also Able To Offer A Fully Insured Standard Delivery Service Where Should You Experience Any Problems, Including Issues Relating To Temperature, Damage, Loss Or Delay By The Courier, Sims Tropical Fish Will Step In And Resend An Instant Replacement Fish For Delivery The Following Delivery Day, Rather Than With Your Next Order, Upon Receipt Of Supporting Photographs.

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