Trachyphyllia
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi(Audouin, 1826)Species
An LPS coral with large fleshy polyps placed on floor. Beautiful fluorescent red and green.

Names & Synonyms
- CommonTrachyphyllia
- Commonトラキフィリア
- SynonymAntillia duncani
- SynonymAntillia flabelliformis
- SynonymAntillia geoffroyi
- SynonymAntillia infundibuliformis
- SynonymAntillia orientalis
Overview
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi (family Trachyphylliidae), the open brain coral, is a free-living solitary LPS coral from sandy substrates and reef slopes of the Indo-Pacific. Unattached to rock, colonies rest directly on sand, their large fleshy polyps 5–20 cm across encasing a brain-shaped skeleton with vivid coloration in red, green, orange, pink, and multicolor patterns. The polyp expands dramatically at night in a feeding response. Low to moderate lighting (80–180 PAR) and very gentle indirect flow are ideal; placement on sand is mandatory, as contact with rock edges damages the soft tissue. Stable parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–420 ppm) are recommended. Weekly target feeding with small shrimp or fish flesh noticeably enhances polyp inflation and color intensity. Relatively hardy and accessible, Trachyphyllia's extraordinary color range and distinctive free-living lifestyle make it a prized centrepiece in 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 | Low |
| Placement | Bottom |
Care Points
- Placement—Place directly on sand bed
- Lighting—Low to medium light
- Feeding—Direct feeding to large polyps possible
- Notes—Fluorescent red specimens especially popular
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, 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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