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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, belonging to the family Fungia, are unique large polyp stony corals known for their ability to relocate themselves. These corals exhibit bright red coloration, with some specimens developing purple swirls.
Demands and Hardiness
Fungia Plate corals require a substrate-based setup due to their propensity to move off rockwork if placed there. They can tolerate moderate to high lighting levels, with a preference for brighter light after a gradual acclimation period. These corals thrive in water conditions with a KH of 8-12, pH of 8.1-8.4, specific gravity of 1.023-1.026, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C.
Lighting
Ideal lighting for Fungia Plate corals ranges from moderate to high levels. While they are photosynthetic, these corals may benefit from acclimation to intense lighting like metal halides for optimal coloration.
Water Flow
Moderate to strong water movement is recommended for Fungia Plate corals, although they can tolerate fairly strong flow. It is crucial to place these corals on the substrate as they have the unique ability to move and can potentially detach from rocks.
Feeding
Although Fungia Plate corals are photosynthetic, they are excellent feeders that greatly benefit from spot feeding with large meaty foods such as shrimp and krill. Care should be taken not to offer food chunks that are too large for the coral to consume.
Propagation
Propagation of Fungia corals through fragmentation has been successful, but asexual reproduction is slow. Efforts to aquaculture Fungia are ongoing, but cost-effective propagation methods remain a challenge. Fragmented pieces take a long time to regain their round shape, indicating slow recovery post-fragmentation.
Localization & Habitat
Plate corals, including the Red Devil Diaseris Plate, are commonly found around the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Most Fungia specimens in captivity are sourced from Australia.