Atomic Torch Coral - Euphyllia glabrescens

Atomic Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens)

The Atomic Torch Coral, Euphyllia glabrescens, is a colourful large polyp stony coral, admired for its long flowing tentacles, bright fluorescent tips and bold movement within the reef aquarium. Torch corals are highly popular showpiece LPS corals, bringing both colour and natural motion as their tentacles sway gently in the current. This coral is best suited to a mature, stable reef aquarium with moderate lighting, indirect flow and enough space from neighbouring corals.

Common Name:
Atomic Torch Coral, Atomic Torch, Torch Coral, Euphyllia Torch.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Euphyllia glabrescens

Coral Type:
LPS Coral

Growth Form:
Branching to wall-style large polyp stony coral growth form, with long fleshy tentacles extending from a hard calcium carbonate skeleton.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Torch corals are found in Indo-Pacific reef habitats, often growing on reef slopes, lagoons and coral-rich areas where they receive steady water movement and suitable light. In aquariums, they are best placed where their tentacles can extend freely without being blasted by direct flow or touching neighbouring corals.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nitrate: Low but detectable
Phosphate: Low but detectable

Lighting:
Medium
Atomic Torch Coral generally does best under moderate reef lighting. Avoid placing it directly under intense lighting without acclimation, as excessive light can cause stress, fading or reduced extension. Lower-to-middle placement with gradual light acclimation is usually safest.

Flow:
Medium
Moderate, indirect flow is ideal. The tentacles should sway naturally and gently, not whip violently or crash against the skeleton. Harsh direct flow can cause poor extension, tissue damage or recession.

Placement:
Best placed on stable lower-to-middle rockwork where the coral has room to extend fully. Allow generous spacing from neighbouring corals, as torch corals can extend long sweeper tentacles and sting nearby livestock.

Temperament / Aggression:
Aggressive
Atomic Torch Coral can be aggressive towards nearby corals due to its long tentacles and strong sting. Keep it well away from non-Euphyllia corals and avoid placing it where the flow can carry its tentacles into neighbouring coral tissue.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but benefits from feeding
This coral receives much of its energy from lighting through its symbiotic zooxanthellae, but it can benefit from occasional target feeding. Suitable foods include mysis shrimp, finely chopped meaty marine foods, LPS pellets and specialist coral feeds. Feed when the tentacles are extended and avoid overfeeding, as excess food can affect water quality.

Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate
Growth is usually steady in stable reef systems with consistent alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, lighting and flow. Good extension, strong colour and clean tissue around the skeleton are signs that the coral is settled.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, stable reef aquarium with consistent water chemistry and careful placement. Avoid sudden alkalinity swings, harsh direct flow, rapid lighting changes and close contact with neighbouring corals. Torch corals can be sensitive to tissue damage and bacterial issues if stressed, so dip and acclimate carefully before adding to the aquarium. Monitor for tissue recession, poor extension, brown jelly-style infections or irritation from nearby corals.

Suitable for:
Intermediate reefkeepers

Availability:
Premium LPS coral / Availability can vary depending on colour intensity, tip colour, supplier naming and season.

All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.