Scolymia

Names & Synonyms

• CommonScolymia
• Commonスコリミア

Overview

Scolymia (family Mussidae) is a genus of solitary large-polyp stony corals found on reef slopes of the Caribbean and Pacific. A single large polyp—5–20 cm in diameter—develops concentric septa that give the skeleton an ornate, mandala-like cross-section. The color repertoire is extraordinary: fluorescent green, red, orange, purple, and multicolored morphs appear, with rare patterns commanding extraordinary prices in the collector market. Low to moderate lighting (50–150 PAR) is appropriate; high intensity causes bleaching. Gentle indirect flow and stable parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–420 ppm) are standard requirements. Aggressive target feeding 1–2 times weekly—meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, or pellets—is rewarded with expanded polyp volume and intensified coloration. Growth is extremely slow, but Scolymia's unmatched visual impact as a centerpiece specimen makes it one of the most coveted corals in the reef hobby.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Low to medium light
• Flow—Low flow is suitable
• Feeding—Direct feeding to large mouth most effective
• Notes—Rainbow colored specimens trade at high prices

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:

Appendix II

Notes:

イシサンゴ目(Scolymia, Lobophylliidae/Mussidae)。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

LPS Corals2026-08-25

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...

LPS Corals2026-08-23

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.

LPS Corals2026-08-09

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.

Get this species

Buy livestock directly from breeders and specialist shops on BreederDirect (br-choku), our sister marketplace for corals and marine fish.

* Opens an external site (BreederDirect / br-choku, Japanese) in a new tab.