Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)
Acanthophyllia deshayesiana(Michelin, 1850)Species
LPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.

Names & Synonyms
- CommonAcanthophyllia (Meat Coral)
- Commonアカントフィリア
- SynonymAcanthophyllia deshayensiana
- SynonymCaryophyllia deshayesiana
- SynonymCynarina deshayesiana
- SynonymProtolobophyllia deshayesiana
Overview
Acanthophyllia deshayesiana (family Lobophylliidae) is a large, solitary free-living LPS coral found on sandy substrates and reef slopes across the Indo-Pacific. Rather than attaching to rock, it rests on the sand and inflates its fleshy tissue dramatically at night or when feeding, reaching 15–25 cm across. It displays vivid reds, oranges, greens, and multicolor patterns prized in the reef aquarium hobby. It prefers low to moderate lighting and gentle indirect flow; strong direct current damages the tissue. Place it directly on the sand without fixing it, and avoid contact with rock. Target feeding once or twice weekly with small shrimp or seafood pieces enhances color and growth. If it remains overturned it will weaken, so keep it upright.
Care Specifications
| Type | LPS |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜12 dKH |
| Calcium (Ca) | 400〜450 mg/L |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1280〜1350 mg/L |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Water flow | Low |
| Placement | Bottom |
Care Points
- Lighting—Low to medium light. Place on sand bed
- Flow—Weak indirect flow. Strong flow damages tissue
- Feeding—Feed chopped shrimp directly 1-2 times per week
- Notes—Place half-buried in sand. Do not attach to rock
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Acanthophyllia deshayesiana, Lobophylliidae)。CITES 附属書II。
Sources
- AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow)(careSpec)
- AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
- DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
- Wikipedia(detail)
Related corals of the same type
AcanthastreaアカンサストレアlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with metallic colors in large polyps. Australian specimens are popular as premium pieces.
Acan CoralアカンソフィリアlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with rich colorful variations. Highly popular among collectors with many high-value specimens.
Acan LordアカンロードlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with vivid multicolor patterns beautiful as jewels. Premium species popular among collectors.
AlveoporaアルベオポラlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with long tentacles similar to Goniopora. Hardier and easier to keep than Goniopora.
War CoralウォーコーラルlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with distinctive rugged appearance. Also called Favia, beautiful with fluorescent colors.
Echinopora CoralエキノポラlpsIntermediatePlating to encrusting coral between LPS and SPS. Beautiful fluorescent greens and oranges. Relatively hardy with moderate growth. Good base for aquascaping.Related care articles

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