Coral Care Info Symphyllia

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Symphyllia Wilsoni corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and the Coral Sea. They inhabit shallow reefs and deeper lagoon areas, where they grow on rocky substrates under moderate lighting and gentle water flow.

Why Choose Symphyllia Wilsoni for Your Reef Tank?

• Extremely Rare & Collectible – One of the most sought-after LPS corals.
• Striking Multi-Colored Patterns – Features mesmerizing fluorescent hues.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands steadily when provided with ideal conditions.
• Requires Stable Conditions – Best for experienced reef keepers.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions is critical for Symphyllia Wilsoni’s health and vibrant coloration:

Lower temperature ranges (74-78°F) help prevent stress and bleaching, as this species is more temperature-sensitive than other LPS corals.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers lower to mid-level areas of the tank, allowing space for polyp expansion.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on soft sand or smooth rock surfaces to avoid tissue damage.

Lighting Requirements

Symphyllia Wilsoni thrives under low to moderate lighting, which enhances its deep fluorescence while preventing bleaching.

• 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

• Low to moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper polyp expansion.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause tissue recession.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup and enhance nutrient absorption.

Feeding and Nutrition

Symphyllia Wilsoni benefits from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, absorbing nutrients through its fleshy polyps.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and amino acids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and polyp extension.
• 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—Symphyllia Wilsoni has aggressive sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at polyps.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, expanding as an encrusting or dome-shaped structure.
• Fragging Method: Use a bandsaw or bone cutter to create clean fragments for propagation.

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, excessive flow, or sudden temperature fluctuations.
• 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 tissue damage can lead to infection.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Use a protein skimmer and activated carbon to help maintain water clarity and remove toxins.
• Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or receding tissue – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or temperature stress.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Overgrowth on unwanted areas – Frag and relocate colonies to prevent excessive spread.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

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