Holy Grail Torch Coral

(Euphyllia glabrescens)
Common Name: Holy Grail Torch Coral
Order: Scleractinia
Family: Euphyllidae
Origin: Widely found in the Indo-Pacific region
Category: LPS
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting: Medium
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: middle
Colors: Yellow tentacles with blue and purple tips
Growth Speed: Moderate

 

What Is the Holy Grail Torch Coral?

 Torch corals are among the most popular LPS corals for reefers of all experience levels.  Like their euphyllia cousins hammer corals, frogspawn and octospawn they are a relatively easy to keep coral that adds color and movement to any reef tank.  Their long, flowing tentacles are mesmerizing and they are available in a vast array of colors.  While all torch corals are undeniably beautiful there are certain color morphs that stand out from the rest.  One of the most stunning and sought after torch coral varieties is the Holy Grail Torch.

Colour and Growth Pattern

 The Holy Grail Torch coral is easily distinguishable from other torch coral varieties by its coloration.  It has bright yellow tentacles with blue or purple tips.  There really isn’t another torch coral like it.  Like all torch corals they grow in a branching pattern where a single head will pinch and separate into two heads.  This exponential growth means that a single head can grow into a substantial colony in fairly short order.  Due to their potent sting it is important to place them somewhere where they will have room to grow without stinging other corals.

Holy Grail Torch Coral Habitat and Care

 The Holy Grail Torch Coral is native to the waters of the Indo-Pacific region and prefer waters that have moderate levels of movement.  They are found in areas of higher light than many other types of torch corals.  Because they are in such high demand they are also aquacultured in Indonesia, as well as increasingly in North America.  This helps to reduce stress on marine environments and may help the corals adapt more readily to a home aquarium.  Regardless of where they are from, there are many options for torch coral placement in a home aquarium.  Some reefers choose to place torch corals on a frag disc in the substrate.  While this location will likely meet their lighting and flow requirements, there are some drawbacks.  The coral may be knocked over by larger members of the cleanup crew, such as conchs.  In addition, a beautiful (and expensive) coral such as a Holy Grail Torch Coral generally looks better when given a prominent place on the rockwork.  Many hobbyists will also place a number of different torch corals together to form a “torch garden”.  Care should be taken, however, when placing them in close proximity to other euphyllia as the torch may sting them, however some reefers report success in keeping them in gardens with hammer corals and frogspawn.  Torch corals will definitely sting all other corals so it is important to give them lots of space.

Torch corals require a moderate level of both light and flow.  Flow should be strong enough that the polyps sway in the current but not so strong that they are blown around aggressively.  It is generally a good idea to avoid direct flow, as this may cause the polyps to remain retracted or even damage them.

Like other LPS corals, Holy Grail Torch corals will consume alkalinity and calcium in order to build their stony skeletons, so it is important to monitor levels of these elements, and also magnesium, to ensure the health of the coral long term.  Torch corals are all photosynthetic so they are able to meet their energy needs by utilizing aquarium lighting but they can also be fed an LPS pellet food or other meaty foods if desired.  Feeding will increase the growth rate of the coral and may improve coloration.

 

Holy Grail Torch Coral Propagation

Because they are a branching species, it is fairly easy to frag a Holy Grail Torch Coral with the right equipment.  Once there is a clear separation between heads, a bandsaw can be used to cut off the desired number of heads.  For smaller heads coral cutters can also be used. Remember that fragging does carry risks so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of attempting to propagate such a beautiful (and expensive) coral.  It is worth considering an iodine dip after fragging to reduce the likelihood of infection

Summary

 There are some corals that, by virtue of their beauty and rarity, immediately elevate any home reef tank.  Certainly the Holy Grail Torch Coral fits into this category and makes an absolutely stunning addition to any home aquarium.

Recommended Parameters

  • Salinity 1.025
  • Alkalinity 9.0
  • Calcium 450
  • Magnesium 1500
  • No3 ~10
  • Po4 ~0.06