Maze Coral
Meandrina meandrites(Linnaeus, 1758)Species
A round LPS coral with maze-like grooves. Similar to brain coral but with deeper grooves.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonMaze Coral
- Commonファビア（迷路サンゴ）
- SynonymBrachymaeandrina pachychila
- SynonymCoeloria arabica var. leptochila
- SynonymCoeloria labyrinthica
- SynonymCoeloria pachychila
- SynonymCtenophyllia maeandrites
Overview
Maze coral (primarily Meandrina meandrites and related Platygyra species; family Merulinidae) is a collective term for brain corals characterized by their labyrinthine surface ridges and valleys that evoke the convolutions of a human brain. Found across Atlantic and Indo-Pacific reef systems, these corals form large hemispherical colonies colored in muted greens, browns, grays, and yellows, with the sculptural texture providing the primary visual appeal. Low to moderate lighting (80–200 PAR) and gentle to moderate flow are sufficient. Stable parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–430 ppm) support their slow but steady growth. Sweeper tentacles extend at night to defend territory, so adequate spacing from neighboring corals is important. Target feeding with mysis shrimp or copepods accelerates growth noticeably. Known for exceptional longevity in captivity, well-maintained maze corals can remain display centerpieces for decades.
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 | Medium |
| Placement | Middle |
Care Points
- Lighting—Low to medium light
- Flow—Low to medium flow
- Placement—Stable placement on live rock
- Notes—Very hardy and low maintenance
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Meandrina meandrites, Meandrinidae)。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.
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