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Scolymia Coral
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:
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 76-80°F (24-27°C) |
| Salinity | 1.024-1.026 SG |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Alkalinity | 8-10 dKH |
| Calcium | 400-450 ppm |
| Magnesium | 1250-1350 ppm |
| Nitrate | 5-15 ppm |
| Phosphate | 0.03-0.07 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.