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Datasheet
| Care Description | Platygyra are an uncommon Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral that are commonly referred to as Brain Worm Corals. The name Platygyra is very loosely to describe any number of similar brain corals. When it comes to classification, there are a number of very similar looking corals that are a challenge to differentiate from one another. Not only do they look similar, on occasion they grow differently in captivity making them resemble another coral entirely. |
| Water Flow | Low - Moderate |
| 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
Platygyra, commonly known as Brain Worm Corals, are an uncommon Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral species. They exhibit pink and bright sky blue fissures rimmed in purple, creating a stunning color combination. This variety of Platygyra requires ample space between neighboring corals due to its long sweeper tentacles.
Demands and Hardiness
Platygyra brains have small mouths lining the inside of their trenches, necessitating feeding with zooplankton, mysis, and powdered or pellet food ranging from 0.1mm to 13mm in size. Proper feeding is crucial for the long-term health of these corals. They are relatively tolerant of medium to low lighting conditions compared to other brain coral species but can become stressed if exposed to excessive light intensity or spectrum variations.
Lighting
Platygyra corals thrive under moderate to low lighting conditions, displaying consistent coloration despite changes in light intensity. It is recommended to provide low to medium lighting to prevent stressing the somewhat fragile Platygyra, as they can perish swiftly under stress.
Water Flow
For optimal health, low to moderate water movement is advised for Platygyra. These corals can adapt to varying flow rates and are not overly sensitive to water movement. However, excessive flow directed at the colony should be avoided to prevent stress-induced skin stripping.
Feeding
Platygyra corals benefit from a diet of meaty foods like mysis shrimp or small pellet food. Their feeding behavior is not aggressive, requiring a lower flow during feeding sessions to ensure effective food consumption. Large food pieces cannot be ingested due to the coral's small mouth structure.
Propagation
Platygyra corals, including the Candy Crush Platygyra species, have been successfully propagated through fragmentation methods. This genus has shown resilience in propagation efforts, contributing to its availability in the aquarium trade.
Localization & Habitat
Platygyra corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including locations such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They are commonly found in Indonesia and Australia, thriving in the warm waters and diverse marine ecosystems of these regions.