Overview
Favites is a genus of massive and encrusting stony corals closely related to Favia (now largely Dipsastraea). The easiest way to tell them apart is the corallite walls: in Favites neighbouring corallites share walls, giving an angular, honeycomb pattern, while in Favia each corallite has its own wall.
Appearance and colour
Colonies come in greens, browns, reds and multi-tone combinations, frequently with contrasting walls and centres. Polyps extend at night and sit flat against the skeleton during the day.
Care in the aquarium
Favites are hardy and adaptable. Moderate light and flow, with placement on the lower to middle reef, suit most pieces. They extend sweeper tentacles at night, so allow space between them and other corals. Target feeding with small meaty foods a couple of times a week encourages growth.