Platygyra daedalea

(Ellis & Solander, 1786)

Maze Brain Coral

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread.

Natural Environment: Inhabits most reef environments, especially back reef margins and usually seen at depths between 3 to 50 feet (1 - 15 m).

General Husbandry: As to placement in the aquarium, mid level areas receiving moderate light and somewhat swift water movement is the best initial area.

Tends to keep its original coloration even under varying amounts of light in captivity.

Capable of producing its nutritional needs via photosynthesis, yet benefits from once or twice a week feedings of various plankton-like foods, such as Oyster eggs, cyclops, baby brine shrimp, Spirulina, enriched adult brine and mysis shrimp.

Even though its feeding tentacles are usually only displayed at night, it will sometimes display them during daylight hours if it senses food entering the aquarium. I have often used a freeze-dried krill squished between my fingertips in the aquarium water to bring forth its feeding tentacles.

Care should also be taken as to its position in the aquarium in relation to other corals, as this species can send out long sweeper tentacles during evening hours.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Scleractinia

Family: Faviidae

Genus: Platygyra

FYI: In the wild, forms massive mound to encrusting colonies that are often brightly colored with brown walls and grey or green valleys.

Capable of generating large amounts of mucus when handled or disturbed, which will harm any corals it touches, therefore be prepared to siphon out as much as possible.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Photosynthetic/Plankton feeder

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: With caution

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy

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: 71 - 81°F (22 - 27°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 300 - 450+

Water Movement: WM 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

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