Meandrina meandrites

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Brain Coral, Butterprint Brain Coral, Maze Coral

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Natural Environment: Inhabits fore-reefs and back reef environments and usually seen at depths between 3 to 250 feet (1 - 75 m).

General Husbandry: The specimen in the photograph came into a local shop in the western United States from a collector in the southern Florida area that ships 'only' Caribbean species. It was simply labeled as 'Brain Coral.'

If correctly identified, its quite rare in the trade with an equally somewhat rare column projection.

There is not a lot of captive care advice about this photosynthetic stony coral, yet, in the wild its colonies form submassive colonies with wavy corallites, often seen as thick plates covering rocky areas, and occur in clear waters where currents keep the areas free from accumulating debris and/or sand particles. Therefore, with this information and that it inhabits reef environments of various depths, its obvious that quality water, good lighting, and fairly good water movement would enhance its survival in captivity.

With that said, would begin by placing the specimen where it will receive moderate light, e.g., 250 - 300 PAR. Would only move to slightly higher PAR levels after becoming fully acclimated to initial surrounding conditions.

Even though capable of producing most of its nutritional needs via photosynthesis, plankton-like foodstuffs fed occasionally when feeding tentacles are displayed, would certainly benefit the specimen.

Would also provide sufficient space between it and other corals in the aquarium until its degree of aggressiveness is determined.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Scleractinia

Family: Meandrinidae

Genus: Meandrina

FYI: Forms massive, columnar, or free-living forms with meandroid corallite and usually seen in light brown or gray colors.

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: 74 - 83°F (23 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 250 - 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.