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Trachyphyllia

Trachyphyllia geoffroyi(Audouin, 1826)Species

An LPS coral with large fleshy polyps placed on floor. Beautiful fluorescent red and green.

Trachyphyllia (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi)
© Diego DelsoCC BY-SA 4.0Source

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

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 flowLow
PlacementBottom

Care Points

  • PlacementPlace directly on sand bed
  • LightingLow to medium light
  • FeedingDirect feeding to large polyps possible
  • NotesFluorescent 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

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