Blastomussa merletti

Datasheet

General Description:

The Australian Blastomussa Merletti Coral, belonging to the Mussidae family, is a captivating LPS (Large Polyp Stony) Coral species with large, fleshy corallites exhibiting a striking color palette of red and green. Resembling Mushroom Anemones with whiskered corallites, this coral adds visual excitement to reef aquarium landscapes.

Demands and Hardiness:

Certified Captive Grown Blastomussa Merletti Coral requires moderate lighting from T-5s, powerful LEDs, or intense metal halides. To thrive, it necessitates high pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels, along with pristine water quality with minimal phosphate and nitrate levels. Moderate water movement is sufficient for this peaceful coral species, and it is essential to maintain ample space for growth and ensure supplementation of calcium, magnesium, strontium, and trace elements.

Lighting:

Blastomussa corals prefer very dim lighting, thriving best under subdued light conditions. They exhibit vibrant colors and expansion in modest lighting environments, while struggling under bright lights, which may cause unnatural inflation or bubble development within their polyps.

Water Flow:

Moderate water movement is recommended for Blastomussa corals, although they are not overly sensitive to flow intensity. They can adapt to both low and strong flow conditions in reef aquarium setups without significant impact on their health.

Feeding:

Certified Captive Grown Blastomussa Merletti Coral primarily relies on photosynthetic zooxanthellae algae for nutrition. However, supplementing their diet with micro-plankton or specialized filter-feeding invertebrate foods enhances their health and growth. Offering a mix of meaty foods like krill or mysis shrimp, with finely ground meaty alternatives in the absence of phytoplankton, is crucial for the long-term success of maintaining these corals.

Propagation:

Blastomussa corals have shown successful results in fragmentation for propagation purposes, making them a favorable candidate for aquaculture. Their ease of propagation combined with their modest care requirements makes them an attractive choice for aquarists seeking exotic large polyp stony corals.

Localization & Habitat:

Found in the Indo-Pacific region, Blastomussa corals inhabit islands like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. While predominantly sourced from Australia, some rare color morphs originate from Indonesia, showcasing a diverse distribution within this region.