Coral Care Info Indophyllia

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Indophyllia corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef. They naturally occur in muddy or sandy lagoon floors and deeper reef slopes, where they settle on soft substrates and benefit from gentle water movement.

Why Choose Indophyllia for Your Reef Tank?

• Stunning, Inflated Appearance – Displays a unique fleshy polyp structure.
• Beginner-Friendly & Hardy – Adaptable to a range of water conditions.
• Slow Growth Rate – Does not overtake the tank, making it manageable.
• No Aggressive Sweeper Tentacles – Less likely to sting nearby corals.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial for Indophyllia’s long-term health and coloration:

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

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers low to mid-level areas of the tank, away from strong currents.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on soft sand, avoiding sharp rocks that may damage its delicate tissue.

Lighting Requirements

Indophyllia thrives under low to moderate lighting, helping it maintain its color and avoid stress.

• PAR Range: 50-120 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with soft, blue-spectrum emphasis.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Low to moderate, indirect water flow prevents tissue damage and ensures proper nutrient absorption.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause the coral’s flesh to tear.
• Randomized flow patterns help keep the coral clean from debris without excessive agitation.

Feeding and Nutrition

Indophyllia benefits from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, as its large, fleshy structure allows it to capture food efficiently.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and small pieces of fish.
• 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—Indophyllia is non-aggressive but should have space for full expansion.
• Avoid: Fish that nip at fleshy corals, such as certain angelfish and butterflyfish.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Slow growth rate, expanding as it absorbs nutrients.
• Fragging Method: Not commonly fragged due to its solitary structure.

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 introduce the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as its fleshy structure is prone to damage.

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 lighting issues.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Receding tissue – Ensure stable water conditions and avoid aggressive tank mates.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; relocate 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.