Blue Eye Cynarina
Cynarina lacrymalis
Saltwater Coral
Species Group: Cynarina
Family: Mussidae
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Blue Eye Cynarina
General information
Of all the species from the Mussidae Family, corals from the Cynarina genus are considered to have the largest single polyp, where they cancbe either free living or attached to a substrate. Their anatomical structure is generally round or oval with fleshy lobes. They are easy to care with since they tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions.
For the Blue Eye Cynarina, they are predominatly colored blue with brown lines. This are the water parameters for cultivating Blue Eye Cynarina:
- Calcium: 400 – 430 ppm
- Alkalinity: 2.86 – 3.93 MEQ/L (8 – 11 dKH)
- Phosphates: 0
- Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
- Strontium: 8 -10
- Temperature: 74° – 83° F (23° – 28° C)
- Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
Diet & nutrition
Blue Eye Cynarina can survive without feeding courtesy from the nourishment it recieves from the symbiotic zooxanthellae that is living within them. However, they will not grow in to a bigger colony. With this and for faster growth, you need to feed them with supplemental foods like krill, mysis or brine shrimp. The addition of dissolved organics is also recommended.
Determining sex
A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Blue Eye Cynarina. They need to be set at the bottom portion of the tank where lighting and flow rate are in moderation.
Breeding & spawning
Blue Eye Cynarina requires moderate lighting and moderate water flow. Too much water flow causes the polyps to be retracted and feeding cannot take place.
Origination
Blue Eye Cynarina can be found in the Indo-west Pacific Ocean. They are now listed as a threatened species under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which means that their global trading is now monitored.
Cautions
Blue Eye Cynarina must be set in the tank with enough spacing in relation to other coral species.
Acclimation process
Since the Blue Eye Cynarina is a marine species, salinity must be entirely maintained at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity. They should be immediately set to its receiving substrate like rocks and be permanently positioned using gel glue so that the colonization process can commence.
Articles
All photos
Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.