Description
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:
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Polyp Type:
Large polyp stony corals (LPS).
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Colonies:
Form colonies with a small number of corallites, each with its own fleshy polyp.
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Color:
Brightly colored, with common colors including red, green, blue, brown, and combinations of these.
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Skeletal Structure:
The skeleton is generally compact and rounded, resembling a swollen or mushroom-like shape.
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Growth:
They tend to grow in a phaceloid (branched) or subplocoid (slightly branched) manner.
Habitat and Distribution:
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Location: Found in reef environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Depth: Can be found on lower reef slopes and in turbid environments.
Care Requirements:
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Lighting: Generally prefer low to moderate light levels.
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Water Flow: Moderate water movement is recommended, but they can tolerate low flow.
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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.
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Water Parameters: Maintaining stable water quality is essential, including regular water changes.
Species within the Genus:
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Blastomussa wellsi:
A species with smaller corallites and fewer septa, often found in the Indo-Pacific.
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Blastomussa merleti:
A species sometimes referred to as "pineapple coral," found in the west and central Indo-Pacific.
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Other species:
Blastomussa vivida, Blastomussa omanensis, and Blastomussa loyae are also recognized within the genus.
Caring for Blastomussa in a Reef Aquarium:
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Water Quality: Monitor water parameters regularly and perform regular water changes.
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Lighting: Provide appropriate lighting levels based on the species and specific needs.
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Feeding: Offer occasional feedings of appropriate foods, such as krill or mysis shrimp.
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Pruning and Fragging: Prune or frag as needed to control growth and prevent overcrowding.
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Pest Control: Monitor for potential pests and predators, such as coral-eating snails and nudibranchs.
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Tank Mates: Blastomussa are generally considered peaceful corals and can be housed with other non-aggressive corals.
