More info
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
The Fungia Plate coral, belonging to the Fungia family, is a unique large polyp stony coral that distinguishes itself by its ability to relocate within the aquarium, making it crucial to keep it solely on the substrate to prevent it from detaching and moving.
Demands and Hardiness
Fungia plates require moderate to high lighting, with a preference for a longer acclimation period to intense lighting sources like metal halides. They thrive under a water flow ranging from moderate to strong, although they are best placed on the substrate due to their capability to move, which can cause them to detach and relocate within the tank if placed on rock structures.
Lighting
Fungia corals benefit from medium to high lighting conditions, with observations suggesting that they display slightly better coloration under brighter light sources.
Water Flow
Optimal water flow for Fungia plates is in the range of moderate to strong, with a recommendation to place them on the substrate to prevent them from detaching and moving due to their unique ability to reposition themselves within the aquarium.
Feeding
While being photosynthetic, Fungia corals are excellent feeders, and regular spot feeding with large meaty food such as shrimp and krill is highly beneficial. Care should be taken not to feed the coral chunks of food that are too large for it to consume comfortably.
Propagation
Successful fragmentation of Fungia plates has been achieved, although asexual reproduction using this method is slow. Efforts to aquaculture Fungia are commendable, but cost-effective propagation is yet to be demonstrated. Fragmented pieces take a considerable amount of time to regain their characteristic round shape, making them challenging to sustainably harvest in captivity.
Localization & Habitat
Plate corals, including Fungia species, are typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around islands like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the renowned Great Barrier Reef. The majority of Fungia specimens available in the aquarium trade originate from Australia.