If you’re just starting out in the world of reef fish, plate corals are a great choice. These delicate creatures are very easy to care for and will thrive in any reef aquarium. However, there are several factors you need to consider when feeding your plate corals. Following these guidelines will make your life much easier.
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Short Tentacle Plate Coral H. actiniformis
The Long Tentacle Plate Coral (H. actiniformis) is a free-living polyp with large tentacles and a striped mouth. These are the longest of the stony corals, reaching about 8 inches (20 cm). They are green or brown, and sometimes have light-colored tips on their tentacles and stripes on their bodies. Unlike their short cousins, the H. actiniformis does not form anthocauli, but does produce polyp buds.
A Long Tentacle Plate Coral is a rare species that needs moderate to high lighting and frequent feedings. These animals should be placed in a tank with plenty of room, and ideally are placed in a tank where other corals are not present. As their long tentacles contain stinging cells, they should be kept away from other corals in a tank to avoid causing them harm.
Besides being the largest free-living fungiid in the world, the Short Tentacle Plate Coral H. actiniformis also has one of the largest polyps in the world. Because of its large tentacles, many animals have developed commensal relationships with this coral. Among them is the mushroom coral pipefish, Siokunichthys nigrolineatus.
Care of Fungia plate corals
Fungia plate corals are fun to watch as they push their food toward the center of their mouths and accept it. You can feed them general meaty foods or prepared coral food. They can also benefit from feedings with zooplankton and brine shrimp. However, they are best fed when they are not overly stressed and have ample oxygen.
Fungia plate corals need moderate lighting and flow. Their preferred habitats are areas with low to medium water movement and low to moderate water flow. Avoid placing your fungia plate corals in areas with too much flow as it can damage the coral’s flesh. Flow is also important for this coral, as it pulls food from the water column and cleans out debris.
While Fungia plate corals don’t have the puffy appearance that we’re used to seeing in reef aquariums, the coral’s structure is unusual. It’s generally flat, with a slightly raised central dome. It’s surrounded by short tentacles, ranging from 1/8 to 3/4 of an inch in length.
Care of other Fungia species
Fungia Plate corals are relatively low maintenance, solitary stony corals that can grow up to 12 inches in diameter. This type of coral can grow with long or short tentacles and exhibit many different colors. Fungia Plate corals are semi-aggressive and need ample room to grow. They also require special care to avoid damage to other corals.
The best way to take care of Fungia is to make sure you feed them daily. They come in a variety of colors, but generally range from brown to pink with sporadic patches of color. The best place to place them in your aquarium is on a softer substrate where they will not be disturbed by currents.
When choosing Fungia species, check to see that the skeleton is intact. Some can suffer damage during shipping. Damage to the skeleton is a sign of damaged tissue underneath, and can lead to bigger problems. In addition, do not remove them from the water during their expansion phase, as this will cause damage to their skeleton.
Care of aggressive corals
Care of aggressive corals requires special attention. Fungia plate corals can be aggressive towards other corals and may harass them. This is because they are able to inflate themselves with water and can grow considerably larger than their skeletons. These fungia can cause necrosis and should be kept away from other corals and other animals that live on the substrate.
When keeping plate corals, ensure that the aquarium has enough space for all of the corals to move around. The direction of water flow is also very important. Keep aggressive corals away from other reef fish and avoid mixing them with them. In addition, avoid placing them in a tank with non-plate corals.
Plate corals are difficult to keep. Their skeletons have sharp edges that can easily cut the coral’s flesh. In addition, plate corals can also release venom when injured. To avoid causing injury to your coral, it’s best to use a gravelly substrate. This prevents fine particles from crowding the ridges of the coral’s body.
