Introduction to Symphyllia

Symphyllia, commonly known as Closed Brain Coral or Meat Coral, is a Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral admired for its vibrant colors, intricate maze-like ridges, and fleshy polyps. It is available in stunning shades of red, green, orange, yellow, purple, and blue, often featuring fluorescent highlights under actinic lighting.

Symphyllia is a hardy and moderately aggressive coral, requiring stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and adequate space to thrive. It is well-suited for both beginner and experienced reef keepers, as it is more tolerant of fluctuations than some other LPS corals but still requires careful placement due to its ability to extend sweeper tentacles.

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Symphyllia corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, the Red Sea, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in lagoonal reefs and deeper reef slopes, where they attach to rocky substrates and sandy bottoms under moderate lighting and gentle water flow.

Why Choose Symphyllia for Your Reef Tank?

• Unique, Brain-Like Structure – Adds a striking architectural element to reef tanks.
• Resilient & Beginner-Friendly – Tolerates minor parameter fluctuations.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands steadily without becoming invasive.
• Moderate Aggression – Extends sweeper tentacles at night for defense.

Optimal Water Parameters

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

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

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers mid to lower areas of the tank, allowing space for polyp expansion.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on rockwork or soft sand, ensuring enough room for sweeper tentacle movement.

Lighting Requirements

Symphyllia corals thrive under 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

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

Feeding and Nutrition

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

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and amino acids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and polyp extension.
• 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—Symphyllia has aggressive sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at polyps.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, expanding as an encrusting or dome-shaped structure.
• Fragging Method: Use a bandsaw or bone cutter to create clean fragments for propagation.

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 aggression from nearby corals.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Overgrowth on unwanted areas – Frag and relocate colonies to prevent excessive spread.

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 Symphyllia Coral Care

1. How fast does Symphyllia grow?
It has a moderate growth rate, encrusting rock surfaces over time.

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

3. Does Symphyllia 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 Symphyllia be placed near other corals?
It should be spaced at least 6 inches away from other corals to prevent stinging.

6. What is the best way to frag Symphyllia?
Use a bandsaw or bone cutter to create clean frag sections for propagation.