Platygyra
Genus
A hardy LPS coral with distinctive maze-like grooves. Also rich in fluorescent color variations.

Names & Synonyms
- CommonPlatygyra
- Commonプラティギラ
Overview
Platygyra (family Merulinidae) is a genus of brain corals widely distributed across Indo-Pacific reef slopes and reef margins. The skeleton surface develops elongated, convoluted ridges and valleys in intricate labyrinthine patterns, forming hemispherical to domed colonies that can exceed 50 cm in diameter. Colors include green, brown, gray, and pink, with fluorescent green morphs occasionally available. Low to moderate lighting (80–200 PAR) and gentle to moderate flow are appropriate; Platygyra is considered relatively hardy among brain corals. Stable parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–430 ppm) are standard. Sweeper tentacles extend nightly, requiring careful placement away from neighboring corals. Target feeding with mysis or copepods accelerates growth. Development is slow but assured; under consistent long-term care, colonies grow into impressively large specimens with striking sculptural presence. The labyrinthine skeletal patterns give Platygyra a distinguished visual character suited to centerpiece placement in mature reef aquariums.
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—Place in stable location
- Notes—May extend sweeper tentacles at night
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Platygyra, 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

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