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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Mussidae (Stony Corals)
Habitat: Found most commonly on reef slopes, in protected zones.
Light: High Water Flow: Medium 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: The Lobophyllia grow in patterns reminiscent of mammalian brain structures, with wavy ridges and grooves of polyps on wavy ridged and grooved skeletal backbones. Polyps are generally large. Most species are nocturnal and they extend their sweeper tentacles then to collect food. Colors include gray, dark green, red and brown.
Husbandry: The Lobophyllia are hardy and tolerant of captivity. They readily feed on large planktonic offerings. They will produce sweeper tentacles at night but they are submissive to most other corals. They may decline in the presence of other corals that are placed too close.
AKA: Lobed Brain Coral, Flat Brain Coral, Open Brain Coral, Meat Coral, Modern Coral, Large Flower Coral