Brain Coral
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi(Audouin, 1826)Species
LPS coral with brain-like skeletal ridges. Vivid reds, greens, and purples. Relatively easy to keep. Extends large feeding tentacles at night.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonBrain Coral
- Commonハナガタサンゴ（ブレインコーラル）
- SynonymAntillia duncani
- SynonymAntillia flabelliformis
- SynonymAntillia geoffroyi
- SynonymAntillia infundibuliformis
- SynonymAntillia orientalis
Overview
Brain corals are large-polyped stony corals whose surfaces bear intricate maze-like ridges and valleys resembling a human brain, belonging primarily to the families Faviidae and Merulinidae. Distributed across Indo-Pacific and Atlantic reefs, individual colonies grow extremely slowly and can live for centuries. Coloration is typically brown, green, or yellow, with fluorescent green specimens being particularly prized. In aquaria, they thrive under moderate lighting (150–250 PAR) with gentle indirect flow; strong direct light or current causes bleaching. They extend sweeper tentacles to sting neighboring corals, so adequate spacing within the tank is essential.
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—Moderate. Too much light causes color loss
- Flow—Low to moderate indirect flow
- Placement—Place directly on sand bed. More natural than on rock
- Notes—Keep spacing from other corals — will sting with sweeper tentacles
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, Merulinidae)。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.
Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)アカントフィリアlpsIntermediateLPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.
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.Related care articles
Natural Spawning and Breeding in LPS Corals | Key Points for Juvenile Coral Rearing and Parental Stock Selection
Natural spawning in LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals is a biological event triggered by multiple interacting environmental factors. The primary driver is photoperiod: as day length extends from spring into early summer, gonadal development in individual colonies accelerates. Most LPS species reach their spawning season between April and July, with decreasing nighttime illumination and lunar cycles serving as the final spawning triggers...
Trachyphyllia (Open Brain Coral) Care | Managing a Unique Species That Dwells on Sand Substrate
Trachyphyllia is an LPS coral that does not cement to rock, instead resting on sandy substrate or in rock crevices by its own weight. This guide explains how to choose placement based on its distinct ecology and how to maintain proper spacing from neighboring corals.
Cardinal Fish and LPS Coral Symbiosis | How to Select and Maintain Symbiotic Fishes
Most LPS corals host small symbiotic fish. Understand the natural symbiotic relationship with cardinal fish and learn how to create an aquarium environment where both corals and symbiotic fish thrive comfortably.
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