• Skip to main content
AlgaeBarn

AlgaeBarn

Marine Aquariums Made Easy!

  • Sign In
  • Cart
    • Shop See All
      • Ultimate Packs See All
      • Ultimate Refugium Starter
      • Clam Keeper Kits
      • Ultimate Ecopack
      • Mandarin Feeder Kit
      • Hair Algae Killer Kit
      • See All Ultimate Packs
      • Live Foods See All
      • Copepods
        • Ecopods
        • 5280 Pods
        • Galaxy Pods
        • Poseidon's Feast
        • Tisbe Pods
        • Tig Pods
      • Food Combos
        • Ecopods & Phyto
        • Galaxy Pods & Phyto
        • Poseidon's & Phyto
        • Tig Pods & Phyto
        • Tisbe Pods & Phyto
      • Phytoplankton
        • Oceanmagik
      • Brine Shrimp
        • Simple Brine
        • Nano Brine Shrimp
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Galaxy Pods 5 Species Copepod Blend

          Galaxy Pods

          $66 – $139
          Shop Now
        • Ecopods 4 Pack Special

          $99
          Shop Now
        • Galaxy Pods & Phyto Combo

          $80
          Shop Now
        • 5280 Pods

          $45
          Shop Now
      • Macroalgae See All
      • Clean Macro Series
        • Clean Chaeto
        • Clean Sea Lettuce
        • Clean Green Ogo
        • Clean Mocha Ogo
        • Clean Mocha Spike Sphere
        • Pom Pom
        • Red Ogo
        • Red Spike Sphere
        • Red Spaghetti
        • Red Mangrove
      • Premium Rare Macro
        • Leafy Ogo
        • Blue Hypnea
        • Dragon's Tongue
        • Thick Ogo
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Clean Chaeto

          $20 – $65
          Shop Now
        • Clean Sea Lettuce

          $20 – $95
          Shop Now
        • Red Ogo

          $20 – $80
          Notify Me When in Stock
        • Red Mangrove

          $13
          Shop Now
      • Captive Bred Fish See All
      • Gobies
        • Green Mandarin
        • Court Jester Goby
        • Watchman Goby
        • White Spotted Goby
      • AngelFish
        • Biota Coral Beauty
        • Maculosus Angel
        • Majestic Angel
        • Swallowtail Angel
      • Tangs
        • Yellow Tang
        • Blue Tang
      • More Species
        • Grammas
        • FileFish
        • Blennies
        • Damsel
        • ClownFish
        • RabbitFish
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Blue Mandarin

          BIOTA Green Mandarin

          $99
          Shop Now
        • ORA Neon Goby

          $35
          Shop Now
        • Captive Bred Yellow Tangs by BIOTA

          BIOTA Yellow Tang

          $239
          Notify Me When in Stock
        • ORA Premium Picasso

          $145 – $300
          Shop Now
      • Captive Bred Invertebrates See All
      • Clams
        • Ora Derasa Clam
        • Squamosa Clam
        • Ora Gigas Clam
        • Ora Maxima Clam
        • Ora Hippopus Clam
      • Shrimp
        • Ora Peppermint Shrimp
        • Harlequin Shrimp
      • Snails
        • Cerith Snails
        • Trochus Snail
        • Nassarius Snails
      • Urchins
        • Ora Tuxedo Urchin
        • Ora Pincushion Urchin
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Animated gif of peppermint shrimp

          ORA Peppermint Shrimp

          $49 – $119
          Shop Now
        • 10 Cerith Snails

          Cerith Snail

          $25 – $39
          Shop Now
        • pincushion urchin lytechinus variegatus reef safe and captive bred by ora for sale at algaebarn

          ORA Pincushion Urchin

          $29 – $55
          Shop Now
        • Gold Maxima Clam Bed

          ORA Maxima Clam

          $50 – $90
          Notify Me When in Stock
      • Corals See All
      • LPS Corals
        • Biota Pearl Bubble
        • ORA Pearl Bubble
        • ORA Marshall Island Goniopora
        • ORA Marshall Island Hammer
      • SPS Corals
        • ORA Pearlberry Acropora
        • ORA Micronesian Imperial Acropora
        • ORA Turquoise Acropora
        • ORA Micronesian Yellow Porites
      • Soft Corals
        • BIOTA White Polyp Toadstool
        • ORA Long Polyp Leather Coral
        • ORA Silver Xenia
        • ORA Pulsing Xenia
      • Frag Packs
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Biota Pearl Bubble Coral

          $60
          Notify Me When in Stock
        • ORA Pearlberry Acropora

          $290
          Notify Me When in Stock
        • BIOTA White Polyp Toadstool

          $65
          Notify Me When in Stock
      • Additives & Bacteria See All
      • Live Cultures & Bacteria
        • Turbostart 900 Saltwater
        • Aquarium Cycle Kit
        • Coralline Algae
        • PNS Yellosno
        • PNS Probio™
      • Additives & Chemicals
        • Nitrocycle
        • Clarifier
        • Fritz A.C.C.R
        • Fritz RPM Salt
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Mandarin Feeder Kit by Algaebarn

          Mandarin Feeder Kit

          $66
          Shop Now
        • MarinePure 10 Cubes

          2″ Cubes

          $5 – $99
          Shop Now
        • Coralline Algae in a Bottle, In Pink or Purple!

          Coralline Algae

          $22 – $44
          Shop Now
        • Ultimate Refugium Starter Pack

          $120 – $450
          Shop Now
      • Aquarium Supplies See All
      • Fuge Lighting
        • AI Fuge 16HD Light
        • Kessil A360X Fuge Light
        • Kessil H160
        • Kessil H80
        • Chaetomax
      • Biomedia
        • Marinepure Gems
        • Marinepure Rocks
        • Marinepure Plate
        • Marinepure Cubes
        • Marinepure Spheres
      • Foods
        • Dragon Roe
        • Simple Brine
        • Can'O Cyclops
        • Benereef™
        • Fresco Cyclops
      • Rock & Sand
        • Dry Rock
        • Clam Rocks
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Mandarin Feeder Kit by Algaebarn

          Mandarin Feeder Kit

          $66
          Shop Now
        • MarinePure 10 Cubes

          2″ Cubes

          $5 – $99
          Shop Now
        • Coralline Algae in a Bottle, In Pink or Purple!

          Coralline Algae

          $22 – $44
          Shop Now
        • Ultimate Refugium Starter Pack

          $120 – $450
          Shop Now
      • CADE Aquariums See All
      • Reef Series
        • CADE REEF 500 S2
        • CADE REEF 600 S2
        • CADE REEF 900 S2
        • CADE REEF 1200 S2
        • CADE REEF 1500 S2
        • CADE REEF 1800 S2
        • CADE REEF 2100 S2
      • Frag Series
        • CADE Frag 600 S2/F
        • CADE Frag 900 S2/F
        • CADE Frag 1200 S2/F
        • CADE Frag 1500 S2/F
      • Peninsula Series
        • CADE Peninsula 1200 S2/P
        • CADE Peninsula 1500 S2/P
        • CADE Peninsula 1800 S2/P
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • CADE REEF 2100 S2

          $7,225
          Shop Now
        • CADE Peninsula 1500 S2/P

          $5,525
          Shop Now
        • CADE REEF 1200 S2

          $4,125
          Shop Now
        • CADE Frag 900 S2/F

          $3,275
          Shop Now
    • Contests Win Free Aquarium Supplies!
      No Purchase Necessary*
    • Top Deals Huge Savings!
    • AlgaeBarn Heroes Discount for Military,
      First Responders and more!
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shipping
You are here: Home / Corals / Coral Care / Keeping Turbinaria Corals

Keeping Turbinaria Corals

by Kenneth Wingerter

Do the terms SPS or LPS really mean all that much? Because we aquarists do tend to infer quite a bit about the care of different coral genera based upon these designations. So what does that mean for genera like Turbinaria? Because some authors describe them as one type, and other authors describe them as belonging to the other type. If “SPS” and “LPS” are truly meant (at least as a general guideline) to describe a coral’s favored environmental conditions and not just the obvious–its polyp size–then maybe we could call Turbinaria an “MPS.” A bona fide medium polyp stony!  

In any case, we must be cautious assuming anything with regards to coral husbandry based on broad categorizations such as these. Thankfully, Turbinaria is a fairly adaptable genus that is great to keep in various kinds of reef aquaria. It is both hardy and non-aggressive. It easily tolerates conditions that fall between the “norms” associated with SPS and LPS coral types. And, yes, the polyp size is somewhere right there in the middle of the two.

This article provides a brief rundown of these majestic corals–their morphology and ecology as well as their captive care. 

Turbinaria natural history

Turbinaria is distributed very widely across the Indo-Pacific Ocean from the Red Sea to Japan and the Great Barrier Reef and Tonga. This genus claims a number of colonial stony coral species in the family Dendrophylliidae. The genus is known by several common names including include scroll coral, cup coral, vase coral, pagoda coral, disc coral and ruffled ridge coral. As are all members of the family, all Turbinaria species are stony. They are zooxanthellate and therefore occur only in relatively shallow, sunlit waters. To note, it is one of just three “photosynthetic” genera in the family; the others (such as Dendrophyllia) completely lack zooxanthellae and thus occur only in caves or in deeper waters. Unlike Turbinaria, some members of the family live as solitary polyps.

Turbinaria is a common denizen of deep fore-reef habits (below 20 meters) and are generally shaped in a way that catches the most light. They sometimes also occur on reef slopes and back reef margins (at least in the deeper parts where there is less competitive pressure from fast-growing SPS such as Acropora). The huge, shady, overlapping plates created by mature Turbinaria colonies create hiding spaces and microhabitat for diverse reef fish and vertebrates; notably, they sometimes facilitate the growth of other coral species. Colonies can get pretty big (20-50 centimeters). Its growth form may be massive, laminar, columnar or foliaceous (with foliaceous being the most common form). They can form flat plates, tiered structures or encrust over hard reef surfaces. These flattened forms tend to angle in a way that allows detritus to fall off of them. Towering structures might rise from the middle of the colony to form cup- or vase-like shapes. Actually, depending on environment factors, a colony might assume many different growth forms. Those growing in strong currents can fold and bend into whorled rose-like shapes. They tend to be flatter in deep waters and scrolled in shallow (i.e. bright) waters. In the scrolled form, growth is only fast along the outer edges. Turbinaria may be found in colors ranging from green to yellow and brown, and sometimes soft blues, purples or pinks. For sure, it is not easy to identify Turbinaria species on the basis of growth form or coloration alone. 

The corallites only cover one side of the plate, are spaced well apart and may project from raised tubular mounds. The septa are short. Polyps are robust with a thick, tubular body column and short tentacles. It is generally nocturnal, with the polyps opening at night, though the well-known Turbinaria peltata is a notable exception. 

Aquarium care

While they prefer intense illumination and moderate-to-high water movement, turbinaria corals are fairly adaptable. In systems where the keeper anticipates keeping SPS, the brightest areas at surface in the highest currents are best reserved for the acros, montis, etc. Instead, you can place your specimen in a moderately illuminated area with modest water flow (maybe somewhere at mid tank height). Do pay some attention to the grow form already exhibited by the specimen; a highly scrolled form might indicate that it originated in a brightly lit environment and so will need better than average light exposure. Also, try to deliver a little water movement (especially random water movement) to scroll-like or cup-like forms as to make sure detritus cannot settle on and eventually kill a portion of the colony. Some say that a good blast of current for at least part of each day will suffice here.

Turbinaria are usually pretty rugged and tolerate a good deal of handling. Note that they normally secrete quite a bit mucus when handled. Because the polyps only grow on one side, mounting this coral to the hardscape with glue or epoxy is simple enough. 

This coral does not require feeding, though it may grow faster if occasionally offered small zooplanktonic items such as live baby brine shrimp. Interestingly, it can also engage in intracoelomic feeding, using strings of mucus to capture tiny phytoplankton and bacterioplankton.

So, is Turbinaria an SPS or LPS? Who cares… this coral (and captive-propagated specimens particularly) can flourish in pretty much any healthy reef tank. And especially if you score one of the extra-colorful varieties, a Turbinaria can easily become one of the most eye-catching pieces in your tank.

Related Posts

Enter the AlgaeBarn Upcycle Contest to Win the New Ultimate Galaxy Pack!

Coral reef ecosystems are incredibly intricate and delicate. There are thousands of different species that live on reefs, from tiny shrimp to the largest

Read More about Enter the AlgaeBarn Upcycle Contest to Win the New Ultimate Galaxy Pack!

Aquaculture of the Pearl Bubble Coral: Improving the Health of the Indo Pacific & Red Sea

Coral is a vital part of the ocean’s ecosystem. All coral plays a crucial role on the reefs of the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea. If you’re not already

Read More about Aquaculture of the Pearl Bubble Coral: Improving the Health of the Indo Pacific & Red Sea

A Look at the Chili Coral

Coral reefs arguably are the most diverse habitats on Earth. All major tax are included in these ecosystems. But, as one might expect, corals are

Read More about A Look at the Chili Coral

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Browse the AlgaeLab by Category

  • Advanced Education
  • Beginners Education
  • CADE Aquariums
  • Captive Bred Fish
  • Clean Up Crew
  • Company News
  • Copepods
  • Corals
  • Freshwater
  • Freshwater Aquariums
  • Intermediate Education
  • Invertebrates
  • Live foods
  • Macroalgae
  • Phytoplankton
  • Product Info
  • Refugium Education
  • Rock and Substrate
  • Saltwater Aquariums
  • Wholesale

Company

  • About Us
  • The AlgaeLab Blog
  • Our Team
  • FAQ

Get in Touch

  • Contact Us
  • AOA Claim Form
  • Press Inquiries
  • Call Us: 772-444-7637

Policies

  • Legendary AOA Guarantee
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Other

  • Store Locator
  • Wholesale & B2B inquired
  • Business Location

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our mission to build a more sustainable aquarium hobby, one tank at a time!

Copyright 2022, AlgaeBarn LLC - Live Copepods and Phytoplankton

adroll_adv_id = "RWFLKG57L5GR7KGYSOEUOK"; adroll_pix_id = "CH2QRUFHXZELLLCMHAB5GI"; adroll_version = "2.0"; adroll_current_page = "other"; adroll_currency = "USD"; adroll_language = "en_US";
0

Your Cart is Empty