Brain Coral Facts
There are many brain coral facts that are available, since the brain coral is an extremely popular species among scuba divers, aquarists and reef enthusiasts alike. Brain coral facts have taught us that brain coral (Latin name Trachyphyllia), also referred to as a folded brain or crater coral, is a large polyp stony coral (LPS) that is found on the sandy ocean floor, primarily in the warm waters of the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific and southern Japan.
Brain Coral Facts History Of The Name
One of the more obvious brain coral facts has to do with the corals general appearance, which can range from flattened, folded, or figure-eight, shaped- although ultimately all will resemble a human brain. One of the more technical brain coral facts is where the brain corals genus gets its name from- the combination of the Greek words trachys (rough) and phyllon (leaf), as the brain corals appearance is akin to a veiny, rough leaf that is on the sandy ocean bed.
Brain Coral Facts: Common Species
More commonly known brain coral facts are that the brain coral has two extremely popular species- Trachyphyllia Geoffrey and Trachyphyllia radiate. While T. Geoffrey corals have a very large range of coloring and patterns, brain coral facts on the T. radiate corals have shown that they are exclusively metallic green. However, the coloring of both brain coral species is extremely bright under fluorescent lighting, such as in an artificial environment. This vivid coloring is one of the many brain coral facts that make the brain coral a very popular choice for home aquariums.
Brain Coral Facts: Artificial Environments
Brain coral facts are also available about water conditions in a home tank. To ensure that the corals polyps are extending to their full potential, water flow needs to be constant and at a moderate level of intensity. In addition, brain coral facts show that calcium is crucial to the brain corals skeletal development, so aquarists must be vigilant about keeping proper calcium levels in the home tank. Brain coral facts have instructed aquarists to place the brain coral directly on the tanks sandy (or mud-lined) bottom, while being extremely cautious to not tear or stress the corals tissue.
Brain Coral Facts And Placement In The Reef Aquarium
Be cautious about placing the brain coral near existing invertebrates or corals in the home tank- brain coral facts have shown that it may employ natural stinging devices, so it’s best to keep ample space around the brain coral.
Brain Coral Facts: Eating Patterns
There are varying brain coral facts regarding the diet of brain coral. Although the brain coral is a carnivore in addition to hosting its own photosynthetic algae, many people choose to provide supplemental feedings to the coral. If you choose to follow this method, brain coral facts show that the coral enjoys small pieces of raw shrimp or silversides, in addition to filter feeding food for invertebrates. It’s important to realize that many experts offer varying advance on the diet of brain coral, so it is always best to have more than one source for brain coral facts.
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