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Datasheet
| Care Description | Maze Brain Corals grow dome-shaped colonies and can grow very large in home reef aquariums. Be sure to give them plenty of space because they are known to send out sweeper tentacles to fend off neighboring corals. Please see below for additional care tips for brain corals. |
| Water Flow | Low |
| 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
Maze Brain Corals, specifically the Gamma Ray Oulophyllia variant, are known for their dome-shaped colonies that can grow considerably large within home reef aquariums. Their striking appearance includes a lavender/blue center and outer edge speckled with shiny spots, with a bright green band surrounding the polyps, making them stand out under actinic lighting. These corals also possess sweeper tentacles to defend their territory against neighboring corals.
Demands and Hardiness
In terms of demands and hardiness, Maze Brain Corals require ample space in the aquarium due to their tendency to send out sweeper tentacles. They are relatively hardy but should be placed in low flow areas to prevent stress and ensure full extension. This species may benefit from direct feeding in addition to relying on zooxanthellae products. Suitable food options include Mysis, Krill, small fish, and medium to large pellets ranging from 5mm to 100mm.
Lighting
Moderate to high lighting levels are recommended for Maze Brain Corals. While they do not exhibit significant color changes based on lighting conditions, an acclimation period may be necessary when introducing them to intense lighting sources such as metal halides.
Water Flow
Maintaining a low water flow environment is ideal for Maze Brain Corals. Excessive flow can induce stress and hinder their ability to fully extend their polyps.
Feeding
Aside from relying on zooxanthellae, Maze Brain Corals can benefit from direct feeding. Feeding them a mix of meaty foods like shrimp, fish, and squid with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) is recommended. Food sizes should be small enough for the polyps to consume fully.
Propagation
While Maze Brain Corals have been successfully fragmented for propagation, asexual reproduction is a slow process. Efforts to aquaculture these corals are ongoing, but cost-effective mass propagation has not yet been achieved due to their slow growth rate. Future advancements in propagation methods may lead to more sustainable harvesting in captivity.
Localization & Habitat
Gamma Ray Oulophyllia corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically on islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat consists of clear, warm waters with appropriate parameters such as a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026.