Torch corals, also known as Euphyllia glabrescens, are a stunning addition to any reef aquarium. Their long, flowing tentacles and vibrant colors make them a favorite among reef enthusiasts. Each type of torch coral has unique characteristics that make it stand out. Let’s explore the different torch corals and their distinctive traits.

Green Torch Coral

The Green Torch Coral is a classic beauty with its bright green tentacles that sway gracefully in the current. Its vibrant hue adds a touch of lushness to any tank, making it a popular choice. The fluorescence under actinic lighting is particularly mesmerizing, creating an almost ethereal glow. This coral is hardy and relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. Its striking color can serve as a centerpiece in a reef setup, providing a lush, natural aesthetic.

• Size: Medium to Large
• Color: Bright Green
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Easy

Gold Torch Coral

Gold Torch Corals are a treasure in any reef setup. Their golden-yellow tentacles shimmer beautifully, especially under blue lighting. They are highly sought after for their rich color and add a touch of opulence to the aquarium. These corals can be quite the centerpiece in a well-maintained reef. Their golden hues bring a warm, inviting feel to the tank, contrasting nicely with other corals and creating a balanced color palette. The Gold Torch Coral is not just about looks; it also helps maintain the tank’s ecosystem by providing habitat and feeding grounds for various marine creatures.

• Size: Medium to Large
• Color: Golden Yellow
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Moderate

Dragon Soul Torch Coral

The Dragon Soul Torch Coral is a stunning variety known for its multi-colored tentacles. Typically, they feature a blend of green, yellow, and pink, creating a dazzling display. This type of torch coral is a real eye-catcher and can bring a dynamic visual element to the tank. The Dragon Soul is named for its fiery appearance, reminiscent of mythical dragons. Its colors shift and change depending on the lighting, providing an ever-changing display that captivates viewers. It’s a bit more delicate than some other varieties, requiring stable water conditions and regular feeding to thrive.

• Size: Medium
• Color: Green, Yellow, Pink
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Moderate

Black Torch Coral

Black Torch Corals are rarer and have a unique, dark elegance. Their tentacles are a deep, almost black hue, sometimes with contrasting tips in shades of white or light green. They add a dramatic flair and contrast beautifully with brighter corals. The Black Torch Coral’s dark tentacles provide a striking background for other colorful marine life in the tank. This variety is perfect for creating a mysterious, dramatic aesthetic in your aquarium. Despite their dark appearance, they are just as vibrant and active as their more brightly colored counterparts.

• Size: Medium
• Color: Deep Black, White or Light Green Tips
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Moderate to Difficult

Neon Green Torch Coral

Neon Green Torch Corals are known for their incredibly bright, almost fluorescent green tentacles. They provide a vivid pop of color and are especially striking under actinic lighting. This variety is perfect for those looking to add some vibrant energy to their reef. The Neon Green Torch Coral’s intense coloration can illuminate even the darkest corners of your tank, creating a visually stunning focal point. It’s also quite hardy, making it a great option for those new to keeping torch corals.

• Size: Medium
• Color: Fluorescent Green
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Easy

Purple Tip Torch Coral

Purple Tip Torch Corals are distinguished by their green tentacles that end in purple tips. This color combination is striking and adds a unique touch to the coral’s appearance. It’s a favorite among hobbyists who appreciate a bit of color contrast. The Purple Tip Torch Coral’s contrasting colors can enhance the overall aesthetic of your reef, providing a beautiful blend of hues that change and shimmer as the coral moves. It’s relatively easy to care for, requiring moderate lighting and water flow to thrive.

• Size: Medium
• Color: Green with Purple Tips
• Lighting: Moderate
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Easy

Bi-color Torch Coral

Bi-color Torch Corals are fascinating due to their dual-colored tentacles. Common combinations include green and gold or purple and green. These corals add a complex and visually appealing element to the tank, providing an ever-changing display of hues. The Bi-color Torch Coral’s dual hues can create a stunning, dynamic display in your aquarium, drawing the eye and adding depth to your reef’s color palette. It’s a bit more sensitive to water conditions, so regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial.

• Size: Medium
• Color: Dual-colored (Green and Gold, or Purple and Green)
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Moderate

Metallic Torch Coral

Metallic Torch Corals have a shiny, reflective quality to their tentacles, giving them a metallic sheen. This unique appearance makes them stand out and adds a bit of sparkle to the reef. Their reflective properties make them a captivating choice. The Metallic Torch Coral’s shimmering tentacles can catch and reflect light in mesmerizing ways, creating a dynamic, ever-changing display. This variety requires stable water conditions and adequate space to grow and thrive.

• Size: Medium to Large
• Color: Metallic Sheen
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Moderate

Pink Tip Torch Coral

Pink Tip Torch Corals feature tentacles that are green with bright pink tips. This beautiful contrast creates a soft yet vibrant look that is both eye-catching and elegant. They add a touch of whimsy and softness to the coral display. The Pink Tip Torch Coral’s gentle, pastel colors can create a soothing, serene atmosphere in your tank. It’s relatively easy to care for, making it a good option for hobbyists of all experience levels.

• Size: Medium
• Color: Green with Pink Tips
• Lighting: Moderate
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Easy

Australian Torch Coral

Australian Torch Corals are known for their robust health and vibrant colors. They often feature a range of hues, including gold, green, and purple. These corals are highly valued for their beauty and hardiness, making them a great addition to any reef tank. The Australian Torch Coral’s vibrant colors and hardy nature make it a versatile and resilient choice for any aquarium. Its robust health and stunning appearance can enhance the overall aesthetic and diversity of your reef setup.

• Size: Medium to Large
• Color: Various Hues (Gold, Green, Purple)
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

Indo Torch Coral

Indo Torch Corals come from the waters of Indonesia and are renowned for their variety of colors and patterns. They can be found in shades of green, gold, and even bi-color variations. Their diverse appearances make them a favorite among collectors. The Indo Torch Coral’s wide range of colors and patterns can add a unique, exotic flair to your reef. This variety is relatively easy to care for, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

• Size: Medium
• Color: Various Hues (Green, Gold, Bi-color)
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

Hellfire Torch Coral

Hellfire Torch Corals are named for their intense, fiery coloration. Typically, they have bright red or orange tentacles that can look almost like flames under the right lighting. These corals are truly spectacular and add a dramatic, fiery touch to the reef. The Hellfire Torch Coral’s fiery appearance can create a bold, eye-catching focal point in your aquarium. It’s a bit more delicate than some other varieties, requiring stable water conditions and regular feeding to thrive.

• Size: Medium
• Color: Bright Red or Orange
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Moderate to Difficult

Electric Blue Torch Coral

Electric Blue Torch Corals are rare and have a striking blue coloration. Their tentacles glow a vivid blue under actinic lighting, making them one of the most sought-after varieties. They add an electric, almost otherworldly element to the aquarium. The Electric Blue Torch Coral’s vivid blue tentacles can create a stunning, otherworldly effect in your tank, drawing the eye and adding a unique, vibrant element to your reef. This variety is quite delicate, requiring stable water conditions and regular maintenance.

• Size: Medium
• Color: Vivid Blue
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Difficult

Ultra Torch Coral

Ultra Torch Corals are the pinnacle of torch coral varieties. They feature the brightest, most intense colors and are often multi-hued. These corals are the showpieces of any reef tank, commanding attention with their stunning beauty and vibrant hues. The Ultra Torch Coral’s intense, multi-hued colors can create a breathtaking, dynamic display in your aquarium. This variety is relatively easy to care for, making it a good option for hobbyists of all experience levels.

• Size: Medium to Large
• Color: Multi-hued, Bright Colors
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Moderate
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

Torch Coral Size and Other Characteristics

Torch Coral Type	Size	Color	Lighting	Flow	Care Level
Green Torch Coral	Medium to Large	Bright Green	Moderate to High	Moderate	Easy
Gold Torch Coral	Medium to Large	Golden Yellow	Moderate to High	Moderate	Moderate
Dragon Soul Torch Coral	Medium	Green, Yellow, Pink	Moderate to High	Moderate	Moderate
Black Torch Coral	Medium	Deep Black, White or Light Green Tips	Moderate to High	Moderate	Moderate to Difficult
Neon Green Torch Coral	Medium	Fluorescent Green	Moderate to High	Moderate	Easy
Purple Tip Torch Coral	Medium	Green with Purple Tips	Moderate	Moderate	Easy
Bi-color Torch Coral	Medium	Dual-colored (Green and Gold, or Purple and Green)	Moderate to High	Moderate	Moderate
Metallic Torch Coral	Medium to Large	Metallic Sheen	Moderate to High	Moderate	Moderate
Pink Tip Torch Coral	Medium	Green with Pink Tips	Moderate	Moderate	Easy
Australian Torch Coral	Medium to Large	Various Hues (Gold, Green, Purple)	Moderate to High	Moderate	Easy to Moderate
Indo Torch Coral	Medium	Various Hues (Green, Gold, Bi-color)	Moderate to High	Moderate	Easy to Moderate
Hellfire Torch Coral	Medium	Bright Red or Orange	Moderate to High	Moderate	Moderate to Difficult
Electric Blue Torch Coral	Medium	Vivid Blue	Moderate to High	Moderate	Difficult
Ultra Torch Coral	Medium to Large	Multi-hued, Bright Colors	Moderate to High	Moderate	Easy to Moderate

Torch Coral Care Features

• Water Parameters: Torch corals thrive in stable water conditions with a temperature range of 72-78°F, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025.
• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting is ideal for most torch corals. LED or T5 lights are commonly used to enhance their vibrant colors.
• Water Flow: Moderate water flow is preferred to mimic their natural habitat and ensure proper nutrient uptake.
• Feeding: While torch corals can obtain nutrients from photosynthesis, supplemental feeding with meaty foods like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp can promote growth and health.
• Placement: Provide ample space between torch corals and other coral species to prevent stinging and aggression. Torch corals have long, sweeping tentacles that can harm neighboring corals.

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Conclusion

Torch corals are a diverse and captivating group of corals that can add beauty and vibrancy to any reef aquarium. From the classic Green Torch Coral to the rare and striking Electric Blue Torch Coral, each type brings its own unique charm and appeal. Understanding the different varieties helps in creating a visually stunning and dynamic underwater landscape. With their vibrant colors and flowing tentacles, torch corals can transform any reef setup into a captivating underwater paradise.