Dragon Tamer Torch

Coloration

• The Dragon Tamer Torch Coral is most notable for its vibrant, multi-colored tentacles. It typically features shades of red, orange, and yellow, with the tips often glowing with fluorescent hues. These colors can make the coral stand out in a reef tank, making it a highly desirable specimen for aquarists.

2. Species

• Like other torch corals, the Dragon Tamer Torch is a species of Euphyllia, specifically Euphyllia paradivisa. It's closely related to other torch corals like the Green Torch (Euphyllia glabrescens) and the Fox Coral (Euphyllia foxi), though its coloration sets it apart.

3. Habitat

• In the wild, Dragon Tamer Torch Corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like the Philippines, Australia, and Indonesia. These corals prefer areas with moderate to strong water flow and moderate lighting, which mimic their natural reef environments.

4. Tentacles

• The tentacles of the Dragon Tamer Torch Coral are long, wavy, and can sway in the water column. These flowing tentacles give the coral a dynamic and attractive appearance. The tentacles are also equipped with nematocysts (stinging cells), so they can sting and harm neighboring corals if they get too close.

5. Care Requirements

• Lighting: The Dragon Tamer Torch prefers moderate to strong lighting to maintain its vivid coloration and promote healthy growth. A lighting intensity similar to that of shallow reef zones will work best.

• Water Flow: This coral thrives in moderate to strong water flow. Strong flow helps to keep detritus off the tentacles and allows for proper gas exchange, which is essential for the coral’s health.

• Water Parameters: For optimal growth, maintain water temperatures between 75°F and 80°F (24°C to 27°C), pH levels around 8.1 to 8.4, and salinity between 1.023 and 1.025 specific gravity.

6. Feeding

• The Dragon Tamer Torch Coral relies on photosynthesis from its symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, to meet most of its nutritional needs. However, it will also benefit from occasional supplemental feeding. You can feed it small zooplankton, brine shrimp, or coral-specific foods. This feeding can help enhance its growth and coloration.

7. Aggression

• Like many Euphyllia corals, the Dragon Tamer Torch is semi-aggressive. It can sting and harm neighboring corals if they come into contact with its tentacles. For this reason, it’s important to provide enough space between the Dragon Tamer Torch and other corals in the tank.

8. Growth Rate

• The growth rate of the Dragon Tamer Torch Coral is slow to moderate compared to other types of corals. This makes it a bit more of a long-term investment for a reef tank. However, with proper care and good conditions, it can form large, bushy colonies over time.

9. Fragging

• The Dragon Tamer Torch Coral can be fragged (cut into smaller pieces) for propagation, but this should be done carefully to avoid damage to the coral. It’s recommended to cut the coral at the base of the tentacles or the skeleton, ensuring each frag has at least a few polyps to grow.

10. Popularity

• The Dragon Tamer Torch Coral is highly prized for its striking coloration and relatively hardy nature. Reef keepers often seek it for its beauty, especially in tanks with other colorful, well-lit coral species. It’s also more expensive compared to some other torch corals due to its rarity and distinctive colors.

11. Tank Placement

• Because of its tentacle size and aggression, the Dragon Tamer Torch Coral should be placed in a spot where it has ample space and won't be crowded by other corals. It’s ideal to place it in areas of the tank where there’s moderate to high water flow, but it shouldn't be directly exposed to strong currents that might cause damage.