Platygyra lamellina

(Ehrenberg, 1835)

Ridge Coral, Maze Coral, Brain Coral, Closed Brain Coral, Worm Coral

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread.

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

General Husbandry: Occasionally available in the trade.

Often misidentified. P. daedalea and is probably the species most often imported, which looks quite similar, however, its ridges are more rounded than P. lamellina.

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

Can encrust some of its aquarium neighbors or aquarium side panels as what's happening in one of the attached photos.

Seems to be quite active during nighttime hours with development of sweeper tentacles (especially near its neighbors), and even though hand feeding is not necessary, feeding tentacles are displayed in evening hours. If increased growth is desired, direct feeding with rotifers, newly hatch brine shrimp or zooplankton-type products will greatly encourage growth.

Do advise sufficient space be given, as this species under the right conditions can be quite fast growing.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Scleractinia

Family: Faviidae

Genus: Platygyra

FYI: Tends to form massive mounds and/or dome-shaped colonies. Depending upon location the species can have contrasting valleys of shades of green, white, cream, pink or gray.

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.