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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.

Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral) (Acanthophyllia deshayesiana)
© OceanamazonCC0Source

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

TypeLPS
Temperature24〜27℃
Specific gravity1.023〜1.025
Salinity33〜35 ppt
KH (carbonate hardness)8〜12 dKH
Calcium (Ca)400〜450 mg/L
Magnesium (Mg)1280〜1350 mg/L
LightingMedium
Water flowLow
PlacementBottom

Care Points

  • LightingLow to medium light. Place on sand bed
  • FlowWeak indirect flow. Strong flow damages tissue
  • FeedingFeed chopped shrimp directly 1-2 times per week
  • NotesPlace 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

Related corals of the same type

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