Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
Site Supported in Part by:
Caribsea 

Pachyseris

Pachyseris rugosa

(Lamarck, 1801)

Elephant Skin Coral, Corduroy Coral, Castle Coral

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread.

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow lagoons, reef slopes, and surge channels and usually seen at depths between 15 - 65 feet (5 - 20 m).

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade.

Maricultured specimens available.

Some forethought needs to be given to newly received specimens as to their initial lighting requirements. Brightly colored cultured specimens may have been raised in 'very' shallow waters. If not sure of the PAR it was grown under, begin by placing the specimen where it will receive moderate light, e.g., 300 PAR. Move to higher PAR levels only after becoming fully acclimated to initial surrounding conditions.

Best finally placed where it will receive somewhat strong light, excellent water movements, including occasional surges.

As to feeding, the specimen in my aquarium/see photo, never required/accepted hand feeding.

Generally this photosynthetic coral is a light brown, however, my specimen had a slight green tinge.

Taxonomy:

    Kingdom: Animalia

    Phylum: Cnidaria

    Class: Anthozoa

    Subclass: Hexacorallia

    Order: Scleractinia

    Family: Agariciidae

    Genus: Pachyseris

FYI: Has heavily pronounced meandering ridges and some vertical columns, yet does not have visible polyps, and usually brown or pale green.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Photosynthetic/Absorption

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderate

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 74 - 83°F (23 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 300 - 450+

Water Movement: WM 2 - 3

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.

 Pachyseris rugosa (Elephant Skin Coral, Corduroy Coral, Castle Coral)
Photo © Bob Goemans
Site Supported in Part by:
Boyd Enterprises