Introduction to Scolymia

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.

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.

Why Choose Scolymia for Your Reef Tank?

• Highly Sought-After Aesthetics – Features bold colors and mesmerizing patterns.
• Beginner-Friendly & Hardy – Tolerates minor parameter fluctuations.
• 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:

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, on sandbeds or stable rock structures.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on soft sand to avoid tissue damage from rough surfaces.

Lighting Requirements

Scolymia corals thrive under low to moderate lighting, which enhances their fluorescence while preventing bleaching.

• 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, indirect water flow ensures proper polyp expansion.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause tissue recession.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup and enhance nutrient absorption.

Feeding and Nutrition

Scolymia corals benefit from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, absorbing nutrients through their polyps.

• 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 unstable parameters or excessive flow.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually adjust the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, 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.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or receding tissue – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or lighting issues.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Tissue damage or open wounds – Ensure stable water conditions and avoid rough substrates.

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.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.

FAQs on Scolymia Coral Care

1. How fast does Scolymia grow?
It has a slow growth rate, remaining a solitary polyp throughout its life.

2. Can Scolymia be kept in a nano tank?
Yes, but stable water parameters and careful placement are essential.

3. Does Scolymia require direct feeding?
While it survives on photosynthesis, target feeding enhances growth and color vibrancy.

4. How can I tell if my coral is unhealthy?
Signs include tissue recession, faded colors, or polyp retraction.

5. Can Scolymia be placed near other corals?
It should be spaced at least 4-6 inches away from other corals to allow full expansion.

6. What is the best way to frag Scolymia?
Not recommended, as Scolymia is a single-polyp coral and does not naturally fragment.