Acanthophyllia, often called a "doughnut" or "meat" coral, is a large, solitary stony coral. It's characterized by a single, fleshy polyp that hides a strong, calcium-based skeleton. These corals are known for their vibrant colors, patterns, and intense fluorescence.
Here's a more detailed description:
Appearance: Acanthophyllia are large, single polyp stony corals with a fleshy, meaty appearance, hence the names "meat" or "doughnut" coral. They are not transparent and have a large, solid base.
Skeleton: Underneath the polyp is a thick, hard skeleton made of calcium.
Color and Patterns: They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including greens, reds, blues, purples, and combinations of these.
Size: Acanthophyllia are known for their large size, making them a prominent centerpiece in reef aquariums.
Growth: They are considered slow-growing stony corals.
Care: They generally require moderate lighting and low water flow. They can also benefit from supplemental feeding of meaty foods like mysis and krill.
Cyphastrea are a genus of massive, reef-building stony corals, commonly known as brain corals or meteor corals. They are part of the Merulinidae family and are popular in reef aquariums due to their unique appearance and vibrant colors.
Here's a more detailed description:
Key Characteristics:
Growth Pattern:
Cyphastrea corals can grow in a variety of forms, including encrusting, branching, and plating. They are known for their ability to encrust surfaces and form massive colonies.
Polyps:
They have small, star-shaped polyps that are characteristic of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals.
Color:
Cyphastrea come in a wide range of colors, from red and blue to green, and even more unique combinations.
Natural Habitat:
They are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they are found in various reef environments, including shaded or low-light areas.
Care:
They are generally considered relatively hardy corals and can adapt to a variety of tank conditions, but they prefer low to moderate light levels.
Popular Varieties:
Meteor Shower:
One of the most popular color morphs is the red and blue "Meteor Shower" variant.
Other Color Morph:
Other vibrant color variations are also available, such as green, pink, and yellow.
In Summary:
Cyphastrea corals are attractive, hardy, and versatile reef corals that come in a variety of forms and colors. They are popular with reef aquarium hobbyists for their unique appearance, ability to grow in different areas of the tank, and their ability to adapt to a variety of tank conditions
Price per 5 polyps
Micromussa are a type of large-polyp stony coral (LPS) known for their vibrant colors and relatively easy care in reef aquariums. While often referred to as Acanthastrea (or "Acans"), Micromussa were reclassified in 2016. They are popular choices for reef aquariums due to their low-light tolerance and willingness to take frozen and pellet foods.
Key features of Micromussa:
Polyp Size:
The two most common species, Micromussa lordhowensis (lords) and Micromussa amakusensis (micros), have different polyp sizes, with lords having larger polyps.
Colony Structure:
Micromussa colonies can be low-growing clumps or more extensive depending on the species.
Color:
Micromussa exhibit a variety of colors, including reds, yellows, greens, and blues, often with striking rings.
Care:
Micromussa thrive in low-to-moderate light conditions and prefer low to moderate water flow. They are known to extend their tentacles, indicating a desire to feed.
Distribution:
Micromussa are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands.
Trachyphyllia, commonly known as the open brain coral, is a free-living coral species in the Merulinidae family. They are large polyp stony corals (LPS) characterized by a flabello-meandroid growth form, meaning they have distinct valley regions separated by walls, resembling an inverted brain. These corals are often brightly colored and found in inter-reef environments and on soft substrates around continental islands.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Appearance and Features:
Shape: Trachyphyllia are free-living, meaning they can move around and are not anchored to rocks. They have a flabello-meandroid growth pattern, with distinct valleys separated by walls.
Size: They are relatively small corals, typically not exceeding 20 cm in diameter.
Color: Trachyphyllia come in a wide variety of colors, including yellow, brown, blue, green, and red.
Tentacles: They have short tentacles that are often extended during feeding.
Mouth: They have one to three separate mouths within their valleys.
Habitat and Distribution:
Location: Trachyphyllia are found in inter-reef environments and on soft substrates around continental islands.
Substrate: They prefer to rest on soft substrates like sandbeds.
Water Conditions: They thrive in moderate to strong lighting and moderate water currents.
Care and Maintenance:
Lighting:
They generally prefer moderate lighting (100-150 PAR), but can tolerate lower light conditions.
Water Flow:
They do not like strong currents and should have moderate, indirect water flow.
Feeding:
They are voracious feeders and can be supplemented with various foods like brine shrimp and mysis, according to Tidal Gardens.
Placement:
They should be placed on the sand or substrate bed, allowing for proper movement and feeding.
Aggression:
Trachyphyllia can be a bit aggressive and should be placed with ample space from other corals
Goniopora, also known as "flowerpot" or "daisy" coral, are Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals characterized by their distinctive, daisy-like polyps and intense colors. These corals, often found in lagoons and turbid water conditions, are known for their vibrant hues of green, yellow, pink, or purple. Their polyps extend outward from the base, with each tipped by 24 stinging tentacles. While they can be stunning additions to reef tanks, Goniopora are considered delicate and can be challenging to keep in captivity.
Key Features and Characteristics:
Appearance: Goniopora corals have a characteristic flowerpot or daisy appearance due to their polyps, which are often brightly colored.
Color: They come in a range of colors, including green, yellow, pink, and purple.
Habitat: Found in lagoons and turbid water conditions.
Polyps: Numerous daisy-like polyps extend outward from the base, each with 24 stinging tentacles.
Sensitivity: Considered sensitive corals and can retract when disturbed.
Feeding: Avid feeders and can be susceptible to nutritional deficiencies if not properly fed.
Care Difficulty: Generally considered delicate and can be challenging to keep long-term in a reef tank.
In a Reef Tank:
Goniopora can be a beautiful addition to a reef tank, adding movement and elegance.
They are moderate in care requirements and adaptability, making them suitable for intermediate reef keepers.
Proper care, including stable water parameters, regular feeding, and moderate lighting and water flow, is crucial for their survival.
Goniopora can be difficult to maintain in a home aquarium and are best suited for experienced reef keepers
Australomussa sp. purple-green velvet L - 250 lv
Australomussa sp. purple-green velvet XL - 300 lv
Australomussa, scientifically named Parascolymia rowleyensis, is a type of large polyp stony coral (LPS) found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia and Southeast Asia. These corals form flattened, dome-shaped colonies, with corallites characterized by shallow valleys and distinct color and texture differences between the septa and costae. They are known for their vibrant colors, which can range from blue-grey to bright reds, yellows, and greens.
Detailed Description:
Colony Structure:
Australomussa corals grow into large, dome-shaped or helmet-shaped colonies, sometimes reaching several meters in size.
Corallites:
The corallites, which are the individual polyps, are subcerioid, meaning they have short, shallow valleys that are separated by thick walls.
Tissue Color:
The tissue over the septa (the radial plates within the corallites) is often a different color and/or texture compared to the tissue over the costae (the outer walls of the corallites).
Habitat:
These corals are typically found in lower reef slopes, where they are protected from strong wave action.
Color:
In north-west Australia, colonies often exhibit a uniform blue-grey color, while valleys may have concentric cream and green hues. In Southeast Asia, a wider range of colors, including bright red, yellow, and green, are commonly observed.
Similar Species:
The corallite details of Parascolymia rowleyensis are similar to those of Parascolymia vitiensis, another large polyp stony coral.
Abundance:
While they can be locally common in certain areas, Australomussa corals are not typically abundant.
price per one polyp
Blastomussa are a genus of large polyp stony corals, also known as "pineapple corals," "swollen brain corals," or "mushroom corals". They are characterized by their fleshy, often brightly colored polyps and rounded, swollen structures. Blastomussa are relatively easy to care for and can be a stunning addition to a reef aquarium.
Here's a more detailed description:
Appearance and Structure:
Polyp Type:
Large polyp stony corals (LPS).
Colonies:
Form colonies with a small number of corallites, each with its own fleshy polyp.
Color:
Brightly colored, with common colors including red, green, blue, brown, and combinations of these.
Skeletal Structure:
The skeleton is generally compact and rounded, resembling a swollen or mushroom-like shape.
Growth:
They tend to grow in a phaceloid (branched) or subplocoid (slightly branched) manner.
Habitat and Distribution:
Location: Found in reef environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Depth: Can be found on lower reef slopes and in turbid environments.
Care Requirements:
Lighting: Generally prefer low to moderate light levels.
Water Flow: Moderate water movement is recommended, but they can tolerate low flow.
Feeding: Blastomussa are primarily symbiotic with zooxanthellae, obtaining a significant portion of their nutrition through photosynthesis. They will also feed on microplankton, brine shrimp, and krill.
Water Parameters: Maintaining stable water quality is essential, including regular water changes.
Species within the Genus:
Blastomussa wellsi:
A species with smaller corallites and fewer septa, often found in the Indo-Pacific.
Blastomussa merleti:
A species sometimes referred to as "pineapple coral," found in the west and central Indo-Pacific.
Other species:
Blastomussa vivida, Blastomussa omanensis, and Blastomussa loyae are also recognized within the genus.
Caring for Blastomussa in a Reef Aquarium:
Water Quality: Monitor water parameters regularly and perform regular water changes.
Lighting: Provide appropriate lighting levels based on the species and specific needs.
Feeding: Offer occasional feedings of appropriate foods, such as krill or mysis shrimp.
Pruning and Fragging: Prune or frag as needed to control growth and prevent overcrowding.
Pest Control: Monitor for potential pests and predators, such as coral-eating snails and nudibranchs.
Tank Mates: Blastomussa are generally considered peaceful corals and can be housed with other non-aggressive corals.
Turbinaria is a genus encompassing both brown algae and stony corals, each with distinct characteristics. Brown algae (like Turbinaria ornata) are marine organisms with an upright, tough thallus resembling a pinecone. They are often found in tropical waters, attached to rocks or coral heads, and can be invasive in some areas. Stony corals (like Turbinaria peltata) form colonies with corallites, which are the skeletal structures where polyps reside. They can be disc-shaped, vase-shaped, or plate-like, and are commonly found in reef environments.
Brown Algae (Turbinaria):
Appearance: Erect, radially branched, with blades or "laterals" that can be turbinate or peltate. The overall structure resembles a long pinecone.
Habitat: Primarily found in tropical marine environments, especially coral reefs.
Growth: Can be invasive in some areas, colonizing reefs and outcompeting other species.
Examples: Turbinaria ornata (Crowded or Crowned Sea Bells)
Stony Corals (Turbinaria):
Appearance: Colonial, with corallites (skeletal structures) arranged in various forms like discs, vases, or plates.
Habitat: Coral reefs in various depths and water conditions.
Growth: Can form large colonies, sometimes dominating reef ecosystems.
Examples: Turbinaria peltata (Disc Coral), Turbinaria mesenterina
Key Differences:
Structure:
Brown algae have a thallus (non-animal tissue) with blades, while stony corals have a skeletal structure with corallites.
Growth:
Brown algae can fragment and reproduce vegetatively, while stony corals reproduce sexually.
Invasiveness:
Some brown algae species are considered invasive, while stony corals are generally not considered invasive.
price per polyp
Duncanopsammia is a genus of stony coral consisting of a single species, Duncanopsammia axifuga, also known as whisker coral or duncan coral. These corals form colonies of individual polyps with round skeletal bases (corallites) that can be quite large. They are commonly found in the deeper waters of Western and Northern Australia, as well as the South China Sea.
Key characteristics of Duncanopsammia axifuga:
Appearance: The polyps are large and have brightly colored oral discs.
Habitat: They prefer solid objects in sandy areas.
Lighting: They thrive under low to moderate lighting.
Water Quality: They need high pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels, along with low phosphate and nitrate levels.
Feeding: They can rely on symbiotic zooxanthellae algae for photosynthesis and may also benefit from supplemental feeding of meaty marine foods like mysis and brine shrimp.
Temperament: Duncanopsammia corals are generally peaceful and can be housed with other non-aggressive corals and invertebrates, provided they have ample space to grow.
Growth: They are considered a large polyp stony (LPS) coral and can be a good choice for beginners, known for their relatively slow growth rate.
Coloration: They can come in various colors, including vibrant greens.
Tentacles: The polyps have tentacles that can retract and extend, resembling an anemone.
Commensal organisms: They can sometimes host commensal organisms like barnacles.
Defensive Mechanism: Duncan corals can release sweeper/feeder tentacles that can sting and damage other corals.
Flow: They do best with a moderate flow of water.
Price per 1 polyp
Euphyllia glabrescens, commonly known as Torch Coral, is a large-polyp stony coral characterized by its long, tubular polyps with knob-like tips and a range of colors, often bicolored with contrasting tentacle tips. These corals are colonial, with corallites (individual coral units) spaced apart and having thin, sharp-edged walls.
Key features of Euphyllia glabrescens:
Appearance:
Long, tubular polyps resembling a torch, with a variety of colors including brown, green, pink, and fluorescent shades.
Colony Structure:
Phaceloid (corallites arranged in a branching pattern), with corallites 20-30 mm in diameter and spaced 15-30 mm apart.
Tentacles:
Large, tubular tentacles with knob-like tips.
Color:
Can be found in various colors, often with contrasting colors on the tentacles and polyp tips.
Care:
Suitable for intermediate-level reef keepers, requiring stable water parameters, moderate to high lighting, and moderate water flow.
Feeding:
While they can photosynthesize, they benefit from supplemental feeding with small meaty foods like zooplankton or coral-specific foods.
Aggression:
Can have sweeper tentacles that may harm neighboring corals, so they should be placed away from other corals.
Compatibility:
Clownfish often use torch corals as their home
