Open Brain Coral

Names & Synonyms

• CommonOpen Brain Coral
• Commonオオバナサンゴ
• SynonymAntillia duncani
• SynonymAntillia flabelliformis
• SynonymAntillia geoffroyi
• SynonymAntillia infundibuliformis
• SynonymAntillia orientalis

Overview

Open brain coral (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, family Merulinidae) is the sole species of its genus—a free-living solitary coral whose upper surface bears maze-like ridges in spectacular fluorescent reds, greens, blues, and oranges. Found throughout the Indo-Pacific on sandy substrates and reef slopes, adults are not attached to the substrate. In aquaria, it is placed directly on the sand bed under low to moderate lighting (100–200 PAR) with gentle flow. Daily expansion indicates good health; it should be target-fed small meaty foods one to two times per week to sustain its vibrant coloration and growth.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Low to moderate
• Flow—Gentle flow
• Placement—Place directly on sand — do not attach to rock
• Feeding—Feed mysis shrimp directly to mouth
• Notes—Delicate when inflated — do not touch

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:

Appendix II

Notes:

イシサンゴ目(Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, Merulinidae)=オオバナサンゴ。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

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External Databases

• WoRMS
• GBIF