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    Coral Care Info Scolymia

    Introduction to Scolymia Care Requirements of Scolymia in Home Reef Aquariums

    Scolymia, commonly known as Scoly Coral or Doughnut Coral, is a Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral prized for its bright colors, fleshy appearance, and unique circular shape. Found in shades of red, green, orange, purple, blue, and rainbow combinations, Scolymia is one of the most sought-after LPS corals due to its stunning aesthetics and easy care requirements.

    Scolymia is a solitary coral, meaning it does not form colonies but remains a single polyp throughout its life. It is non-aggressive but requires space to fully expand, as its fleshy body can extend significantly. This coral is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced reef keepers looking to add a showpiece coral to their tank.

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    Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

    Scolymia corals are found in the Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic regions, including Australia, Indonesia, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Caribbean. They typically inhabit deeper reef slopes, sandy lagoon floors, and crevices in the reef structure, where they receive gentle water flow and moderate to low lighting.

    These corals thrive in shallow reefs, lagoons, and backreef slopes, where they attach to rocky surfaces or coral rubble in moderate to low-light environments with gentle water flow.

    Why Choose Scolymia for Your Reef Tank?

    • Beginner-Friendly & Hardy – Tolerates minor parameter fluctuations.
    • Vibrant Colors & Bubble-Like Texture – Adds contrast to reef displays.
    • Non-Aggressive Coral –Can be placed near peaceful corals without risk of stinging
    • Slow Growth & Solitary Nature – Ideal for nano tanks and high-end reef displays.

    Optimal Water Parameters

    Maintaining stable water conditions ensures the best health and coloration for Scolymia:

    ParameterIdeal Range
    Temperature76-80°F (24-27°C)
    Salinity1.024-1.026 SG
    pH8.1-8.4
    Alkalinity8-10 dKH
    Calcium400-450 ppm
    Magnesium1250-1350 ppm
    Nitrate5-15 ppm
    Phosphate0.03-0.07 ppm

    Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability and prevent nutrient imbalances.

    Tank Size and Setup

    • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger.
    • Placement: Prefers lower areas of the tank, often on sandbeds.
    • Substrate Considerations: Best placed on soft sand to avoid tissue damage from rough surfaces

    Lighting Requirements

    Scolymia corals thrive under low to moderate lighting, making it suitable for a variety of reef tank setups.

    • PAR Range: 80-150 PAR
    • Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with a blue-spectrum emphasis.
    • Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

    Water Flow and Circulation

    • Low to moderate water flow ensures proper expansion and prevents tissue damage.
    • Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause Ricordia to detach from surfaces.
    • Randomized flow patterns help mimic natural reef conditions.

    Feeding and Nutrition

    Ricordia primarily relies on photosynthesis but benefits from occasional supplemental feeding to enhance growth and coloration.

    • Preferred Foods:Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and amino acids.
    • Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and coloration.
    • Best Feeding Method: Target feeding at night when tentacles extend.

    Tank Mates and Compatibility

    • Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
    • Caution With:Other LPS corals—although non-aggressive, Scolymia needs space for full expansion.
    • Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at polyps.

    Growth Rate and Propagation

    • Slow growth rate, remaining a solitary polyp throughout its life
    • Fragging Method: Not commonly fragged due to its single-polyp structure..

    Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

    • Brown Jelly Disease – A bacterial infection requiring iodine dips and improved water quality.
    • Tissue Recession – Often caused by too much flow or poor water quality.
    • Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

    Handling and Acclimation

    • Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually introduce the coral to new water conditions.
    • Minimize handling, as as tissue damage can lead to infection..

    Maintenance and Cleaning

    • Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
    • Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

    Troubleshooting Common Issues

    • Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; move to a lower-light area.
    • Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
      • FAQs on Scolymia Coral Care
      How fast does Scolymia grow?

      It has a slow growth rate, remaining a solitary polyp throughout its life.
      Can Scolymia be kept in a nano tank?

      Yes, but stable water parameters and careful placement are essential.
      Does Scolymia require direct feeding?

      While it survives on photosynthesis, target feeding enhances growth and color vibrancy.
      How can I tell if my coral is unhealthy?

      Signs include tissue recession, faded colors, or polyp retraction.
      Can Scolymia be placed near other corals?

      It should be spaced at least 4-6 inches away from other corals to allow full expansion.
      What is the best way to frag Scolymia?

      Not recommended, as Scolymia is a single-polyp coral and does not naturally fragment.