Common Names

Brittle Coral, Crystal Coral, Durian Coral, Galaxy Coral, Scapel Coral, Star Coral and Starburst Coral

Description

Oculinidae, also known as galaxy, corals are quite attractive and popular.  Their skeletons are rather brittle made of branching tubular coralites.  The out portion is covered in living tissue with beautiful polyps that are mesmerizing in their movement.

Care Level: Easy to Moderate

Placement: Top

Lighting: Moderate to High

Flow: Low to Medium

Conditions: 74°-81°, s.g. 1.023-1.025, Phosphates 0, Cal 400-450, dKH 8-11, Mag 1200-1350, Sr 8-10

Conditions & Placement

Oculinidae corals should be provided with good light and low to moderate water movement.  The skeleton provides its substrate upon which it encrusts and will grow outward from the edges.  Care should be taken as Oculinidae maybe extend very long sweeper tentacles potentially stinging and harming adjacent corals.

Feeding

Oculinidae corals, like many LPS, have many feeding strategies.  While primarily photosynthetic, through their symbiotic relationship with the algae zooxanthellae, they can also absorb dissolved organic matter from the water column.  In the home aquarium they can be supplementally fed zooplankton, brine shrimp and mysis.

Maintenance

Monthly water changes of 20% or bi-weekly water changes of at least 10% are suggested.

Warnings

Due to their delicate skeleton care must be taken in transport and moving specimens.  Additionally their tentacles can sting nearby corals causing harm so care should be taken in regards to placement.