Open brain coral

Trachyphyllia geoffroyi

Family : Trachyphylliidae

CoralMarineLPS

The open brain coral is an LPS coral with large fleshy polyps, recognizable by its undulating shape and vivid colors. It is popular in reef aquariums for its relative hardiness.

Open brain coral — photo 1 sur 4
RevolverOcelot · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4
Popularity
LPS coral
large polyps, low light
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Indo-Pacific
Récifs coralliens de l'océan Indien et Pacifique tropical.

Description

Trachyphyllia geoffroyi forms massive, rounded or elongated colonies up to 30 cm in diameter. The polyps are large and fleshy, with short tentacles and visible mouths. Coloration ranges from green, brown, red, orange to purple, often with contrasting patterns. It is generally solitary but can coexist with other corals at a distance. No obvious sexual dimorphism.

Habitat

Region :

This coral is found mainly on reef slopes and sandy lagoon areas, often in turbid waters. It can form large rounded or dome-shaped colonies anchored in soft substrate. It occurs between 1 and 30 meters depth.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2427 °C
pH8.18.4
KH812 °dKH
Salinity1.0231.025
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.1 mg/L
Calcium
≥ 400 ppm
Magnesium
≥ 1200 ppm
Light
Medium
Flow
Low

Care

Difficulty
3/5
Diet
Photosynthetic
Min. tank
100 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
30 cm
Lifespan
15 years
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Propagation
Se fragmente facilement en coupant la colonie avec une scie à os ou un cutter, en laissant chaque fragment avec au moins une bouche. Les fragments se fixent sur un support et guérissent en quelques semaines.

Care notes

A tank of at least 100 liters is recommended, with moderate to intense lighting and low to moderate flow. Stable parameters are essential: temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025, calcium >400 ppm, magnesium >1200 ppm, KH 8-12 dKH. It tolerates nitrates up to 20 ppm and phosphates up to 0.1 ppm. It feeds on zooplankton and can be target-fed meaty foods. Beware of stinging tentacles at night; space it at least 15 cm from other corals.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References