Trachyphyllia (C1)

Trachyphyllia Coral

Common names: Open Brain Coral, Folded Brain Coral
Scientific name: Trachyphyllia geoffroyi

Trachyphyllia is a beautiful large-polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its vibrant colors, fleshy tissue, and distinctive brain-like folds. It can be found in colors such as green, red, orange, pink, purple, and combinations of several colors.

This is a relatively hardy LPS coral and can be an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced reef keepers when provided with stable water conditions and appropriate feeding.

Care Requirements

Lighting:
Low to moderate lighting is generally recommended. Around 50–150 PAR works well. Avoid placing it directly under very strong light, especially when first introducing it to the aquarium.

Flow:
Provide low to moderate, indirect flow. The tissue should gently move in the current, but the coral should not be blasted directly by a powerhead. Strong flow can prevent it from fully extending or damage its delicate tissue.

Placement:
Place Trachyphyllia on the sand bed whenever possible. Give it plenty of space because it can expand significantly when fully inflated. Avoid placing rocks or other corals where they can rub against its fleshy tissue.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.0–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
• Nitrate: 2–15 ppm
• Phosphate: 0.03–0.10 ppm

The most important factor is stability rather than maintaining a single exact number.

Feeding

Trachyphyllia benefits greatly from supplemental feeding. It can obtain energy from its symbiotic algae, but regular feeding can encourage growth and coloration.

Offer small pieces of mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, reef foods, or LPS coral foods approximately 1–2 times per week.

Feed gently when the coral’s feeding tentacles are extended. Avoid allowing aggressive fish or shrimp to steal the food.

Compatibility

Trachyphyllia is generally peaceful but can develop sweeper tentacles, especially at night. Leave adequate space between it and neighboring corals.

Avoid placing aggressive corals directly beside it, and make sure its fleshy tissue cannot come into contact with sharp rocks or other corals.

Important Care Tip

A healthy Trachyphyllia should regularly expand and develop a full, fleshy appearance. If it remains tightly contracted, becomes damaged, or its tissue begins to recede, check water stability, flow, lighting, and potential irritation from neighboring corals.

Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Type: LPS
Placement: Sand bed
Lighting: Low–Moderate
Flow: Low–Moderate
Feeding: Recommended
Reef Compatible: Yes