(H1) Symphyllia (~6") - 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.
Symphyllia corals, also known as Symphyllia Brain Corals or Closed Brain Corals, are large polyp stony (LPS) corals admired for their deeply grooved, meandering patterns and bold coloration. They display vibrant shades of red, green, orange, teal, and multicolor combinations, making them standout centerpieces in reef aquariums. Hardy and moderately easy to care for, Symphyllia corals thrive in stable systems with gentle water movement and controlled lighting.
Description:
Common Names: Symphyllia Coral, Closed Brain Coral
Scientific Name: Symphyllia species
Family: Lobophylliidae
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (extends sweeper tentacles at night)
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Often confused with Lobophyllia and Trachyphyllia, Symphyllia can be identified by their smooth, continuous valleys and thick, fleshy tissue that flows over the skeleton.
Native Habitat & Distribution:
Symphyllia corals are found throughout the Indo-Pacific, commonly on sheltered reef slopes and sandy bottoms where water flow is gentle to moderate.
Aquarium Care & Setup:
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
Lighting: Low to moderate (50–150 PAR); too much light can lead to bleaching
Flow: Low to moderate; enough to keep tissue clean but not strong enough to cause retraction
Placement: On the sandbed or lower rockwork with sufficient spacing from other corals
Care Tips & Feeding:
• Feeding: Benefits from supplemental feeding of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral pellets 2–3 times weekly
• Growth Pattern: Forms large, boulder-like colonies with smooth, meandering ridges
• Tankmates: Works well with peaceful reef fish and invertebrates; avoid aggressive neighbors within reach of sweeper tentacles
• Behavior: Inflates during the day for photosynthesis and extends sweeper tentacles at night for defense
Are Symphyllia corals easy to keep?
Yes, they are moderately hardy and suitable for intermediate reef keepers.
What lighting do Symphyllia corals need?
Low to moderate lighting (50–150 PAR) is ideal for maintaining their coloration and preventing stress.
Do Symphyllia corals need feeding?
Yes, supplemental meaty feedings several times a week help promote growth and coloration.
Where should I place Symphyllia corals in my tank?
Place them on the sandbed or lower rockwork with plenty of space around them.
How fast do Symphyllia corals grow?
They grow slowly to moderately, forming thick, fleshy colonies over time.
Are Symphyllia corals aggressive?
Yes, they are semi-aggressive and can extend sweeper tentacles at night to defend their territory.