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Datasheet
| Care Description | Trachyphyllia Brain Corals, sometimes called Open or Folded Brain Corals, come in a wide variety of colors and shapes. These slow growing corals make excellent centerpieces and thrive in a wide range of conditions. Please see below for additional care tips for Trachyphyllia Brain Corals. |
| 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
Trachyphyllia Brain Corals, also known as Open or Folded Brain Corals, display a wide array of colors and shapes, making them striking centerpieces in aquaria. These slow-growing corals are hardy and adaptable to various tank conditions, enhancing the visual appeal of any reef setup.
Demands and Hardiness
Trachyphyllia Brain Corals are relatively undemanding and can thrive in low to moderate lighting conditions, typically ranging from 50 to 100 PAR. However, they may require some time to acclimate to higher light intensities. These corals prefer low to medium water flow to prevent detritus buildup, which can lead to tissue damage if left unaddressed.
Lighting
Trachyphyllia Brain Corals generally do well in low to moderate lighting settings. They exhibit stable coloration under these conditions and can adjust to varying light intensities over time. It is advisable to start with lower lighting levels and gradually increase as the coral demonstrates stability in its environment.
Water Flow
Maintaining low to moderate water flow is crucial for Trachyphyllia Brain Corals. Adequate flow helps to keep the coral clean by preventing detritus accumulation, which can harm the coral if left unchecked. It is essential to avoid excessive flow, which can cause tissue damage and lead to the coral's decline.
Feeding
While Trachyphyllia Brain Corals primarily rely on zooxanthellae for nutrition, they can also benefit from direct feeding. Offering a mix of small meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid with vitamin supplements and highly unsaturated fatty acids ensures the coral's optimal health. Feeding should be done with care to ensure the polyps can fully ingest the food particles.
Propagation
Propagation of Trachyphyllia Brain Corals through fragmentation has been successful, although it requires careful handling to avoid damaging individual polyps. These corals are slow growers and may take several years to recover their desired shape post-fragmentation. Research in sexual reproduction holds promise for potential hybrids and color variations in the future.
Localization & Habitat
Trachyphyllia Brain Corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly found in areas like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Specimens commonly available in the aquarium trade are sourced from regions such as Australia and Indonesia, reflecting the natural diversity and habitat preferences of these captivating corals.