Closed Brain Coral
The closed brain coral, also referred to as the honeycomb coral, pineapple coral, meat coral, moon coral, maze coral, star coral and worm coral, is a member of the Favites species and a large polyp stony coral (LPS). The waters of Fiji, Jakarta, Tonga, Bali, and Solomon are home to closed brain coral, where large reefs commonly form in the shallow waters.
General Appearance Closed Brain Coral
As opposed to open brain coral, the closed brain corals appearance is round and more tightly compact- the many twisting, worm-like grooves that wrap around the closed brain coral give it the characteristic trait of a human brain. Large polyps also make for a predominant feature of closed brain corals, which can be both separated from and connected to one another. The various species of closed brain corals make for small distinctions in appearance, usually when it comes to coloring or specific shape, such as the Symphyllia, Lobophyllia, Diploria, and Colpophyllia species. Closed brain corals come in a variety of colors and patterns, although most common are bright shades of brown, green and red.
Closed Brain Coral On The Reef
The growth of closed brain corals is predominantly slow-moving, forming compact and dense skeletons that eventually grow to be extremely large colonies. Although closed brain corals are slow growing, they live to be quite old- some as much as 200 years of age. The closed brain coral is one of the most common and abundant corals found in nature.
Feeding Habits Of Closed Brain Coral
The feeding habits of a closed brain coral are nocturnal- clear tentacles that normally reside along the corals grooves or channels extend during the night time hours to trap passing organisms to supplement the nutrients provided during photosynthesis. In the center of the twisting, maze-like channels are a series of mouths, which are the closed brain corals polyps. These, too, open at night to participate in the feeding.
Closed Brain Coral And Supplemental Feeding
Sometimes microscopic amounts of food may pass by closed brain coral during the daytime, which can occasionally trigger a feeding response at that time as well, although this is not as frequent. If an aquarist chooses to provide supplemental feedings to a closed brain coral, it should be done at this time, and placed along the tentacles gently.
Closed Brain Coral In Artificial Environments
Closed brain corals make an excellent choice for artificial environments- their hardy nature allows the coral to adapt quickly and comfortably to conditions within a home tank. One thing to keep in mind when placing closed brain corals in a home tank is to allow an ample amount of space between the coral and its neighbors. If the coral feels threatened, it may deploy its natural defense mechanism and sting nearby organisms. In general, closed brain corals will need a moderate level of steady light, in addition to intermediate water movement in the aquarium.
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