The Orange Maldivensis Pavona Coral is an unusual, encrusting variety of Pavona coral often regarded as an ideal "starter" SPS coral. In addition to its vibrant orange coloration, the Orange Maldivensis Pavona Coral provides fantastic visual interest thanks to its diverse growth habit. In addition to its horizontal, encrusting growth habit, the Orange Maldivensis Pavona Coral will also produce pillar-like columns as well as exhibit vertical, leaf or plate-like growth similar to the Cat's Paw Coral depending on environmental conditions such as water movement and lighting.

Care of the Orange Maldivensis Pavona Coral is similar to most SPS corals, thriving in an established reef aquarium with near pristine water conditions. That being said, the Orange Maldivensis Pavona Coral is quite forgiving to less than ideal conditions, making it an excellent choice for the beginner to expert hobbyist. The Orange Maldivensis Pavona Coral prefers low to moderate lighting achieved with T-5s, powerful LEDs or the more intense metal halides. If employing higher intensity light fixtures, consider placing the Orange Maldivensis Pavona Coral under or near an overhang. Provide strong, intermittent water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, the Orange Maldivensis Pavona will benefit from the addition of calcium, strontium, iodine, magnesium and trace elements to the water column.

Under brighter light conditions the photosynthetic symbiotic zooxanthellae algae hosted within the Orange Maldivensis Pavona Coral satisfies the majority of its nutritional requirements. However, under lower light conditions, the Orange Maldivensis Pavona Coral will benefit from supplemental feedings in the form of various types of phyto and zooplankton in the evening when its tentacles are visible.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 5-1/4"