(C3) Rainbow Trachy (~5.5") - WYSIWYG
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All WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) corals will be the exact specimen in the photo. Please note that corals may grow and shift in coloration slightly in the time between the photo being taken and delivery. We will contact you before shipping in the rare instance that the coral no longer meets the standards set by the photo.
Trachyphyllia corals are prized LPS corals known for their large, fleshy polyps and vivid coloration, often displaying combinations of red, green, blue, and gold. They are relatively hardy once established and add a bold centerpiece to reef aquariums with their constant movement and vibrant glow under actinic lighting.
Description:
Common Names: Trachyphyllia Coral, Open Brain Coral, Folded Brain Coral
Scientific Name: Trachyphyllia geoffroyi
Family: Merulinidae
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (capable of extending short sweeper tentacles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Trachyphyllia are sometimes confused with Wellsophyllia, which are now recognized as a growth form of Trachyphyllia rather than a separate genus.
Native Habitat & Distribution:
Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, especially in lagoons and reef slopes where water movement is gentle and sediment is minimal.
Aquarium Care & Setup:
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
Lighting: Moderate, ideally 75–100 PAR
Flow: Low to moderate; too much flow can cause tissue damage
Placement: Best placed on the sandbed with adequate space to allow full expansion without contact with sharp rockwork
Care Tips & Feeding:
• Feeding: Photosynthetic but benefits from direct feeding of meaty foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood 2–3 times per week
• Growth Pattern: Large, fleshy polyp covering a rigid skeleton; expands significantly during the day
• Tankmates: Compatible with peaceful reef fish and invertebrates; avoid angelfish, butterflyfish, or other coral-nipping species
• Behavior: Inflates and expands during the day for maximum light capture, with feeding tentacles extending at night
For more information, check out our trachyphyllia care guide
Are Trachyphyllia corals easy to keep?
They are moderately hardy but require stable water parameters, gentle flow, and protection from aggressive neighbors.
Where should I place a Trachyphyllia coral in my tank?
On the sandbed with room to expand, away from sharp rock edges that may damage tissue.
What lighting do Trachyphyllia corals need?
Moderate reef lighting between 75–100 PAR is ideal. Too much light can bleach them, while too little may limit growth.
Do Trachyphyllia corals need feeding?
Yes. While photosynthetic, they thrive when fed 2–3 times per week with mysis, brine, or finely chopped seafood.
Are Trachyphyllia corals aggressive?
They are semi-aggressive and can extend short sweeper tentacles. Provide spacing from other corals to avoid stings.
How big can Trachyphyllia corals get?
They can grow to over 6–8 inches across and expand much larger when fully inflated.