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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Mussidae (Stony Corals)
Habitat: Lower reef slopes in turbid water.
Light: Medium Water Flow: Low Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: These corals have zooxanthellae which provide much of their nutrition. It is believed they also feed on microzooplankton and directly absorb some nutrients from the water.
Natural History: Blastomussa have separate and tall corallites that extend from their massive skeleton. Colonies grow outward from the center and become separate, eventually competing with each other. When the polyps are fully extended, the skeleton becomes completely covered. The septa between colonies is bumpy or toothed. Colonies are dark red or brown, rare, and may reach 18 inches in diameter.
Husbandry: Blastomussa is a hardy coral found in low light and low water flow conditions. It is reported that cementing them to a vertical rock in an aquarium produces favorable growth results. Strong light may prevent them from expanding their polyps. They are rare in the aquarium trade because collection is difficult in deep and turbid waters. Freshwater dips may rid of flatworms that hide between the polyps of Blastomussa. They are hardy corals and survive well in aquaria.