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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Mussidae (Stony Corals)
Habitat: Reef slopes in protected areas.
Light: Medium Water Flow: Medium Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Caution
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: Scolymia are single-polyped solitary corals with a skeleton that has only one mouth opening (usually). The skeleton has numerous small bumps or teeth. Feeding tentacles emerge from a ring inside the polyp ring at night. These corals are often found in caves and under overhangs.
Husbandry: The Scolymia prefer moderate light and low to moderate water flow. They can be overgrown by filamentous algae and are vulnerable to aggression by other corals. They usually have a single oral opening and the outer edges of the body are often covered with sharp spines. Feeding tentacles emerge at night. They are a hardy coral species and are easier than many corals to maintain in aquaria.
AKA: Doughnut Coral, Button Coral, Disc Coral, Mushroom Coral, Meat Coral, Tooth Coral