Torch Coral

🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026

Overview

The torch coral is the showpiece of the Euphyllia family - long, luminous tentacles tipped with glowing rounded ends that flow like a living flame, with prized colour morphs commanding jaw-dropping prices. It is stunning and hardy, but also the most aggressive of the group. (Euphyllia glabrescens.)

Origin & Habitat

Indo-Pacific reefs, on slopes in moderate light and gentle flow.

Appearance

Long, tapering tentacles ending in glowing single tips, in gold, green, and rare 'designer' morphs; each head sits on a stony branch.

Placement & Temperament

⚠️ The most aggressive Euphyllia - keep it well away from ALL other corals, including other Euphyllia, since torches will sting even hammers and frogspawn. Allow 15-20 cm of clear space.

Tank & Water Conditions

Salinity 1.024-1.026, 24-27°C, stable alkalinity 8-11 dKH, calcium 400-450, magnesium 1300-1350.

Lighting & Flow

Moderate light (about 100-150 PAR) and gentle flow so the long tentacles can extend fully.

Feeding

Photosynthetic plus occasional target feeding of small meaty foods for faster growth and new heads.

Health & Growth

Hardy but headline-sensitive to flow and stability, and prone to brown jelly if stressed. Torches can be finicky to settle - give a new one a stable, calm spot and time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Stunning flame-like movement
Prized, high-value colours
Adds new heads over time

Cons

⚠️ Most aggressive Euphyllia - isolate it
Can be slow to settle
Brown jelly risk when stressed

Torch Coral - frequently asked questions

Can I keep a torch coral next to my hammer?

Better not to. Torches are aggressive even toward other Euphyllia and will sting hammers and frogspawn. Give a torch its own space, 15-20 cm from anything.

Why is my new torch not opening?

Torches often sulk after a move. Give it stable water, gentle flow and a fixed spot, and be patient - it can take a couple of weeks to fully extend.

🧠 Test yourself: guess the exotic

Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our exotic. Can you name them?

Clue 1.Sold cheaply at beach shops, this pet has one oversized claw used to seal the entrance of its home.

Clue 2.Belonging to an order whose name means 'apparition,' this insect includes some of the longest insects on Earth.

Clue 3.Used in classrooms and films, this docile, climbing insect cannot fly and grows several inches long.

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