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Merulina Coral

Merulina sp.Ehrenberg, 1834Genus

Unique SPS coral with thin plate-like blades rising vertically. Green and brown common. Adds depth and dimension to aquariums. For intermediate keepers.

Merulina Coral (Merulina sp.)
© Jean-Paul BoerekampsCC0Source

Names & Synonyms

  • CommonMerulina Coral
  • Commonメルリナ
  • SynonymClavarina
  • SynonymParaclavarina
  • SynonymScapophyllia

Overview

Merulina (family Merulinidae) is distributed across Indo-Pacific reef slopes and lagoons, with a distinctive skeletal structure that spreads in foliose to plating sheets while developing radiating, branching ridges (collines) across the surface. Colors include greens, browns, and creams, and its three-dimensional fan-shaped colonies enhance reef-tank structure; the representative species is Merulina ampliata. It tolerates moderate lighting and moderate to slightly strong flow and is relatively hardy. It grows quickly and spreads in foliose sheets, so provide ample space. It may extend sweeper tentacles and compete with neighbors, so allow spacing. Feeding once or twice weekly promotes growth. It can be fragged, but its thin skeleton breaks easily, so handle with care.

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 flowMedium
PlacementMiddle

Care Points

  • LightingMedium to high light. Plate form efficiently captures light
  • FlowMedium. Too strong breaks the plates
  • Water QualityMaintain Ca 400-440ppm, KH 7-9 stable
  • NotesDetritus accumulates easily. Blow off periodically

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:
Appendix II
Notes:
イシサンゴ目(Merulina, Merulinidae)。CITES 附属書II。

Sources

Related corals of the same type

Related care articles

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