Coral Care Info Mycedium

Mycedium corals, often called Elephant Skin corals, are unique small polyp stony corals known for their thin plating growth and distinct raised corallites that resemble textured skin. They typically grow in angled plates or layered formations, creating depth and visual contrast in reef aquariums. Mycedium are a great choice for reef keepers looking to add unusual structure and coloration, especially in well-established SPS or mixed reef systems.

Care Requirements

Lighting (PAR Range)

• Mycedium corals generally do best in 75-150 PAR.
• Moderate lighting supports strong coloration and healthy growth.
• Too much light can cause bleaching or tissue stress.
• Always acclimate new specimens slowly, especially pieces from new arrival corals.

Flow

• Moderate, indirect flow is ideal.
• Flow should keep the surface clean without blasting the coral.
• Strong direct flow can damage the thin tissue.
• Consistent flow helps prevent detritus buildup.

Placement

• Best placed in the middle to lower areas of the tank.
• Can be mounted on rockwork where it can plate outward.
• Allow space for angled growth and expansion.
• Placement should be planned carefully in tanks with large polyp stonies corals, which may overshadow or outcompete them.

Aggression

• Generally peaceful coral.
• Does not have strong sweeper tentacles.
• Can be damaged by aggressive neighboring corals.
• Should be given space to avoid contact.

Growth Rate

• Moderate growth rate under stable conditions.
• Forms thin plates that grow outward and upward.
• Growth is influenced by lighting, flow, and water stability.
• Can create layered structures over time.

Feeding

Mycedium corals are primarily photosynthetic but can benefit from fine particulate foods in the water column. In stable reef systems, they often thrive without direct feeding. Newly introduced specimens from newest corals should be allowed time to acclimate before adding supplemental feeding.

• Can benefit from broadcast feeding of fine coral foods.
• No direct target feeding is usually required.
• Moderate nutrient levels can support better coloration and growth.

Tank Compatibility

Mycedium are well suited for mixed reef aquariums, especially when placed in areas where their plating growth will not interfere with other corals. They should be kept away from aggressive species that may sting or overgrow them. In tanks that include soft corals or spreading colonies like zoanthids, placement should ensure they are not shaded or overtaken.

• Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
• Should be placed away from aggressive or fast-growing corals.
• Allow space for plating growth and expansion.

Common Problems

• Bleaching due to excessive lighting.
• Tissue damage from strong or direct flow.
• Overgrowth by faster-growing corals.
• Detritus buildup if flow is insufficient.

Tips for Success

• Provide moderate lighting and indirect flow.
• Place where it has room to plate outward.
• Avoid aggressive neighbors.
• Maintain stable water parameters.
• Monitor for shading as the coral grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mycedium an SPS coral?
Yes, Mycedium is classified as a small polyp stony coral, but it is often considered moderately easy compared to more demanding SPS species.

Does Mycedium need high light?
No, moderate lighting is usually best. Too much light can cause bleaching or stress.

How does Mycedium grow?
It grows in thin plates that often angle upward, creating layered structures over time.

Is Mycedium aggressive?
No, it is generally peaceful but can be damaged by aggressive neighboring corals.

Mycedium corals are a unique addition to reef aquariums, offering texture, structure, and interesting growth patterns that stand out from more common species. With proper placement and stable conditions, they can develop into impressive plating colonies. You can explore more options in our small polyp stonies corals collection, browse new additions in our new arrival coral colonies, discover standout pieces in our featured corals, learn about our systems on our facility page, and stay updated through the Extreme Corals news and updates blog.