Coral Care Info Trachyphyllia

Trachyphyllia corals, commonly known as Open Brain corals, are large polyp stony corals prized for their thick, fleshy tissue and vibrant coloration. They are often used as centerpiece corals due to their size, bold patterns, and ability to expand significantly under proper conditions. Trachyphyllia are relatively hardy but require stable parameters, gentle flow, and proper placement on the sand bed to thrive.

Care Requirements

Lighting (PAR Range)

• Trachyphyllia corals typically do best in 50-120 PAR.
• Moderate to lower lighting helps maintain rich coloration.
• Too much light can cause bleaching or tissue stress.
• Always acclimate new specimens slowly, especially those from new arrival corals.

Flow

• Low to moderate, indirect flow is ideal.
• Flow should gently move water across the coral without direct force.
• Strong flow can damage fleshy tissue and prevent full expansion.
• Gentle flow supports healthy inflation and feeding response.

Placement

• Best placed directly on the sand bed.
• Avoid placing on rockwork, which can damage the underside.
• Allow space for full expansion and feeding tentacle extension.
• Placement should be planned carefully in tanks with small polyp stonies corals, which can be sensitive to contact.

Aggression

• Moderately aggressive coral.
• Can extend feeding tentacles, especially at night.
• May sting nearby corals if placed too close.
• Should be given space in mixed reef setups.

Growth Rate

• Slow to moderate growth rate.
• Expands significantly in size rather than rapidly dividing.
• Healthy specimens can increase in mass over time.
• Stable water parameters support long-term health.

Feeding

Trachyphyllia corals respond very well to feeding and can show noticeable improvements in expansion and coloration when fed regularly. While they are photosynthetic, they actively capture food and benefit from supplemental feeding. Newly introduced specimens from newest corals should be allowed time to settle before consistent feeding begins.

• Feed meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or chopped seafood.
• Target feeding once or twice per week is typically sufficient.
• Ensure food is fully captured to prevent waste and maintain water quality.

Tank Compatibility

Trachyphyllia are well suited for mixed reef aquariums when given adequate space and proper placement. Their fleshy tissue makes them vulnerable to aggressive neighbors. In tanks that include soft corals or spreading colonies like zoanthids, careful placement helps prevent contact and irritation.

• Keep on open sand away from aggressive corals.
• Avoid placing near species that may sting or overgrow them.
• Ensure stable placement to prevent shifting or damage.

Common Problems

• Tissue damage from placement on rock or sharp surfaces.
• Bleaching caused by excessive lighting.
• Failure to expand due to strong flow or stress.
• Injury from nearby corals or unstable placement.

Tips for Success

• Always place Trachyphyllia on soft sand.
• Provide gentle flow for full expansion.
• Feed regularly to support health and coloration.
• Maintain stable water parameters.
• Allow enough space to prevent aggression-related damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Trachyphyllia be placed on rock?
No, they should be placed on sand to avoid damaging their soft underside.

How often should I feed Trachyphyllia?
Feeding once or twice per week is usually enough to support healthy growth and expansion.

Is Trachyphyllia aggressive?
They are moderately aggressive and can extend feeding tentacles, so spacing is important.

Why is my Trachyphyllia not expanding?
This can be caused by excessive flow, too much light, or stress from recent changes in the tank.

Trachyphyllia corals are a stunning addition to reef aquariums, offering bold color and dramatic expansion that makes them a true centerpiece. With proper care and placement, they can thrive and maintain their vibrant appearance for years. You can explore similar species in our large polyp stonies corals collection, browse larger specimens 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.