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Datasheet
| Care Description | Fungia Plate corals are one of the few types of large polyp stony corals capable of moving themselves and relocating. There is a reason they are kept on the substrate exclusively. If plate corals are placed on the aquascape, they will jump off of your rock work! Please see below for additional care tips for Fungia. |
| Water Flow | Moderate - Strong |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Fungia Plate corals are unique large polyp stony corals that possess the ability to relocate themselves within the aquarium setting, making them a striking addition to coral collections. This species features bright red polyps extending from a green base, adding vibrant color to the tank.
Demands and Hardiness
Plate corals thrive when placed exclusively on the substrate due to their tendency to move around and potentially detach from aquascape structures. They are known to require moderate to high lighting conditions, with an acclimation period recommended for intense lighting sources like metal halides. While they prefer moderate water flow, they can withstand strong currents effectively.
Lighting
Fungia Plate corals do well under medium to high lighting, showcasing slightly better coloration under brighter light sources. An extended acclimation period may be necessary for intense lighting setups, ensuring the coral's health and vibrant appearance.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is ideal for Plate corals, although they can tolerate relatively strong flow conditions. It is crucial to position Fungia on the tank floor to prevent them from detaching and moving around, as they have the unique ability to "jump" off rocks.
Feeding
While being photosynthetic, Fungia corals benefit significantly from regular spot feeding of large meaty foods such as shrimp and krill. Feeding should be done cautiously, avoiding oversized food chunks that the coral may struggle to ingest. They are known to consume Mysis, Krill, and other medium to large pellets, catering to their nutritional needs effectively.
Propagation
Propagation of Fungia corals through fragmentation has shown success, although asexual reproduction is a slow process for this genus. Efforts to propagate Fungia through aquaculture methods are ongoing, but cost-effective large-scale reproduction remains a challenge. Fragmented pieces may take a considerable amount of time to regain their distinctive round shape, indicating the slow progress of propagation techniques.
Localization & Habitat
Plate corals are typically found in the waters surrounding the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. The majority of Fungia corals available in the market are sourced from Australia, reflecting their natural habitat and distribution in the wild.