Coral Care Info Fungia Plate Coral

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Fungia Plate Corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in sandy lagoon floors and reef slopes, where they rest on soft substrates in areas with moderate water flow and lighting. These corals rely on passive feeding, catching drifting food particles with their tentacles.

Why Choose Fungia Plate Coral for Your Reef Tank?

• Unique Freestanding Growth – Unlike most corals, they are not attached to rockwork.
• Easy to Maintain – Adaptable and beginner-friendly.
• Fast Healer & Regenerative – Can regrow even from small fragments.
• Low-Maintenance Feeding – Gains nutrients from photosynthesis but benefits from target feeding.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions ensures the best health and coloration for Fungia Plate Coral:

Regular water changes (10-15% weekly) help maintain stability and prevent nutrient imbalances.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers sand beds or flat, open areas at the bottom of the tank.
• Substrate Considerations: Should be placed on soft sand to prevent skeletal damage.

Lighting Requirements

Fungia Plate Corals thrive under moderate lighting, which enhances their fluorescence while preventing stress.

• PAR Range: 80-150 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with a blue-spectrum emphasis.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper polyp expansion.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause movement and stress.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup and enhance nutrient absorption.

Feeding and Nutrition

Fungia Plate Corals benefit from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, absorbing nutrients through their polyps.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and amino acids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and coloration.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding at night when tentacles extend.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other LPS corals—Fungia Plate Coral can move slightly, which may cause accidental contact with nearby corals.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at polyps.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, with some species regenerating from damaged tissue.
• Fragging Method: Not commonly fragged, but broken pieces can regenerate into full plates over time.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease – A bacterial infection requiring iodine dips and improved water quality.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by unstable parameters or excessive flow.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually adjust the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as their delicate tissue can be easily damaged.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or retracted tissue – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or aggression from nearby corals.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Overgrowth on unwanted areas – Relocate the coral if it drifts too close to aggressive species.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; move to a lower-light area.
• Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.