HELIOFUNGIA PLATE CORAL

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Heliofungia is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. It thrives in sandy lagoon floors and shallow reef slopes, where it rests on soft substrates and relies on gentle water movement to capture plankton. Unlike many corals, it is free-living, meaning it does not attach to rock surfaces and can move slightly across the sand bed.

Why Choose Heliofungia for Your Reef Tank?

• Unique, Anemone-Like Tentacles – Adds dynamic movement to the aquarium.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands steadily under proper care.
• Photosynthetic but Benefits from Feeding – Requires occasional target feeding.
• Striking Fluorescence – Glows beautifully under actinic lighting.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions is essential for Heliofungia’s health and longevity:

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

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers soft sand beds at the bottom of the tank.
• Substrate Considerations: Should be placed on fine sand to prevent skeletal damage.

Lighting Requirements

Heliofungia thrives under moderate lighting, which enhances its natural fluorescence while preventing bleaching.

• PAR Range: 100-150 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Low to moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper tentacle extension.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause tissue recession.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup and enhance nutrient absorption.

Feeding and Nutrition

Heliofungia benefits from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, absorbing nutrients through its polyps.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped fish, and reef roids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and polyp extension.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding at night when tentacles are extended.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other LPS corals—Heliofungia is non-aggressive but requires space for tentacle movement.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at its tentacles.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, forming larger polyp structures over time.
• Fragging Method: Not commonly fragged due to its single-polyp structure.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Tissue Recession – Often caused by unstable parameters, excessive flow, or substrate damage.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.
• Bacterial Infections – Requires iodine dips and improved water conditions if detected.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is highly recommended to gradually introduce the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as its delicate tissue is prone to damage.

Maintenance and Cleaning

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

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or retracted tentacles – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or aggressive tank mates.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Receding tissue or damage – Ensure stable water conditions and avoid sharp surfaces.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; relocate to a lower-light area.
• Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.