Extreme Corals News and Updates

Introduction to Trachyphyllia Trachyphyllia, commonly known as Open Brain Coral , is a Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral prized for its fleshy, ridged appearance and vibrant color variations . Available in fluorescent shades of red, green, blue, pink, orange, and purple , this coral stands out under actinic lighting, making it a favorite among reef hobbyists.

Trachyphyllia is a solitary coral , meaning it does not grow in colonies but remains a single, large polyp throughout its life. It is relatively easy to care for , making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced reef keepers . However, it does best in low-flow, low-light areas with soft sand substrate to avoid tissue damage.

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:

Parameter Ideal Range Temperature 76-80°F (24-27°C) Salinity 1.024-1.026 SG pH 8.1-8.4 Alkalinity 8-10 dKH Calcium 400-450 ppm Magnesium 1250-1350 ppm Nitrate 5-10 ppm Phosphate 0.03-0.07 ppm 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 . FAQs on Trachyphyllia Coral Care 1. How fast does Trachyphyllia grow? It has a slow growth rate , remaining a solitary polyp throughout its life.

2. Can Trachyphyllia be kept in a nano tank? Yes, but stable water parameters and careful placement are essential.

3. Does Trachyphyllia require direct feeding? While it survives on photosynthesis, target feeding enhances growth and color vibrancy .

4. How can I tell if my coral is unhealthy? Signs include tissue recession, faded colors, or polyp retraction .

5. Can Trachyphyllia be placed near other corals? It should be spaced at least 4-6 inches away from other corals to allow full expansion.

6. What is the best way to frag Trachyphyllia? Not recommended, as Trachyphyllia is a single-polyp coral and does not naturally fragment .

Extreme Corals News and Updates

Care Requirements of Trachyphyllia in Home Reef Aquariums

Trachyphyllia coral care guide – Learn how to maintain this rare and vibrant LPS coral in your reef aquarium.

Trachyphyllia, or Open Brain Coral, is a stunning LPS coral from the Indo-Pacific. This guide covers lighting, flow, feeding, and placement to ensure success in your home reef tank.

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives