Torch Coral Spotlight: The Ultimate Centerpiece for Your Reef Tank

Torch Coral Spotlight: The Ultimate Centerpiece for Your Reef Tank

Few corals capture attention the way a Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens) does. With its long, flowing tentacles, pulsing movement, and neon coloration, it’s one of the most iconic showpiece corals in the reef hobby. Whether you're building your first Euphyllia garden or looking to add a “wow factor” to your display, torch corals deliver beauty, motion, and personality like no other.

In this spotlight guide, we’ll explore everything that makes Torch Corals special—plus how to keep them thriving and glowing in your own reef.

Why Torch Corals Are So Popular

Torch corals offer an unbeatable mix of traits that appeal to both beginners and experienced reefers:

✔ Incredible Color Options

Modern aquaculture has produced stunning varieties:

  • Gold Torch

  • Dragon Soul

  • Indo/Fiji Green

  • Cotton Candy

  • Banana Torch Morphs

  • Holy Grail Morphs

Their neon metallic colors look amazing under both white and blue spectrum lighting.

✔ Mesmerizing Movement

Few corals create as much life and motion in a tank.
Their long tentacles sway in the flow, adding a dramatic, hypnotic effect that instantly elevates any aquascape.

✔ Rewarding

Not “beginner-level,” but not overly demanding either.
Torch corals thrive when basic reef parameters are stable, making them achievable for many hobbyists.

Torch Coral Care Requirements

Lighting

Moderate to high (PAR 150–250)

Torch corals often look best with:

  • Medium PAR for fuller extension
  • Higher PAR for brighter coloration if the coral is slowly acclimated

Avoid placing them directly under harsh LED hotspots without acclimation.

Flow

Moderate, indirect, and steady
You’re aiming for:

  • A back-and-forth swaying motion
  • Tentacles moving but not bending sharply or whipping around

Too much flow can cause tissue recession; too little flow can lead to detritus buildup and bacterial issues.

Water Parameters

Torch corals thrive when parameters stay stable:

Parameter Recommended Range
Alkalinity 8.0–9.0 dKH
Calcium 420–460 ppm
Magnesium 1300–1400 ppm
Nitrate 5–15 ppm
Phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm
Temperature 77–79°F

Torches are very sensitive to rapid swings, especially alkalinity.

Placement in the Reef

The best placement is:

  • Middle level of the tank
  • Moderate flow zone
  • In a spot where tentacles have plenty of room

Torch corals have long sweeper tentacles and can sting nearby corals, so keep at least:

  • 4–6 inches from LPS
  • 8+ inches from SPS or soft corals

They’re ideal for:

  • Center-stage islands
  • Euphyllia-only gardens
  • Open sand-bed pedestals

Feeding Torch Corals

While they rely heavily on light for energy, they also benefit from feeding:

Best foods:

  • Reef roids
  • Coral aminos
  • Mysis shrimp (small pieces)
  • Quality plankton blends

Feed 1–2 times per week for:

  • Higher growth rate
  • Stronger coloration
  • Fuller tentacle extension

Common Problems & How to Avoid Them

Brown Jelly Disease

A risk for all Euphyllia
Prevention:

Stable water chemistry

Avoid physical damage

Strong but gentle flow

Good nutrient balance

If detected early:

Turkey baster removal

Iodine-based dip

Frag healthy sections away if needed

Alkalinity Instability

Torch corals react badly to alk swings
Keep your dosing consistent, measure frequently, and make adjustments slowly.

Torch Recession / Skeleton Exposure

This usually means:

Too much flow

Too little flow

Recent parameter swings

Poor placement (harsh light)

Adjust flow or move the coral slightly—torches often perk up immediately.

Tankmates: What Goes Well With Torch Corals?

✔ GREAT Choices:

Clownfish (they may “host,” but torches usually tolerate it)

Wrasses

Gobies

Cleaner shrimp

Most peaceful reef fish

✘ AVOID:

Butterflyfish

Large angels

Aggressive shrimp (camel, coral banded)

Incompatible corals crowded too close

Why Torch Corals Make the Perfect Showpiece

If you want a coral that instantly stands out, you’ll have a hard time finding a better choice than a torch. They offer:

✨ Color
✨ Movement
✨ Glow
✨ Presence

A well-placed torch coral becomes the centerpiece of a reef tank, drawing attention from across the room and adding a sense of life that few corals can match.

Thinking About Adding One to Your Collection?

At Aquarium Show, we regularly stock:

Indo Gold Torches

Dragon Soul Torches

Cotton Candy Torches

Green and Bi-color Torches

Holy Grail Torches

Banana Torches

Other rare morphs when available

If you're local or shopping online, we can help you choose the perfect one for your system.

Back to blog