Meat coral (symphyllia)

Care at a glance

Symphyllia is a large brain coral in which the polyps lie in broad, fleshy valleys separated by thick walls. Fully inflated the colony looks like a glossy, pleated cushion, often in mottled shades of red, green and grey.

It is one of the most rewarding large stony corals: moderate light, gentle flow and stable parameters are enough. Place it on the bottom or on a flat piece of rock with space around it, because it swells considerably and can crowd out neighbours.

Good to know

• Potent sting — keep distance in the tank

Related species

• Bowerbanki coralHomophyllia bowerbanki
• Colt coralCladiella sp.
• Blue ridge coralHeliopora coerulea
• Green tree coralLitophyton sp.
• Chili coral (non-photosynthetic)Nephthyigorgia sp.
• LeptoserisLeptoseris sp.