Coral Care Info Trachyphyllia

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Trachyphyllia corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, the Red Sea, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in sandy lagoon floors, reef slopes, and sheltered areas, where they receive gentle water flow and moderate to low lighting.

Why Choose Trachyphyllia for Your Reef Tank?

• Stunning Color Variations – A true centerpiece coral in any reef tank.
• Beginner-Friendly & Hardy – Can tolerate minor fluctuations in water parameters.
• Non-Aggressive Coral – Safe to place near other peaceful corals.
• Slow-Growing & Solitary – Ideal for nano and large reef tanks alike.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions ensures the best health and coloration for Trachyphyllia:

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

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers lower areas of the tank, ideally on a soft sandbed.
• Substrate Considerations: Should be placed on sand, not rock, to prevent tissue damage.

Lighting Requirements

Trachyphyllia corals thrive under low to moderate lighting, which enhances their deep 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

• 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

Trachyphyllia 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—while non-aggressive, Trachyphyllia needs space to expand fully.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at fleshy polyps.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Slow growth rate, remaining a solitary polyp throughout its life.
• Fragging Method: Not commonly fragged due to its single-polyp 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 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 turkey baster to blow off detritus 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 lighting issues.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Tissue damage or open wounds – Ensure stable water conditions and avoid rough substrates.

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.