{"product_id":"brain-coral-sea-trachyphyllia-sp","title":"Brain Coral Sea Trachyphyllia Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eBrain Coral Sea (Trachyphyllia sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Open Brain Coral, Folded Brain Coral, or Green Trachy)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Brain Coral (\u003cem\u003eTrachyphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is one of the most recognisable and beautiful \u003cstrong\u003elarge-polyp stony (LPS) corals\u003c\/strong\u003e, admired for its \u003cstrong\u003evibrant colouration\u003c\/strong\u003e, fleshy texture, and distinctive folded or lobed appearance. Colours range from \u003cstrong\u003efluorescent green, red, and pink\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003emetallic blue or multicolour combinations\u003c\/strong\u003e, often glowing intensely under actinic or blue LED lighting. This coral forms a single, large, fleshy polyp over a cup-shaped skeleton and is well-suited to \u003cstrong\u003epeaceful reef aquariums\u003c\/strong\u003e. Hardy, photosynthetic, and easy to feed, \u003cem\u003eTrachyphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e is a rewarding centrepiece coral for aquarists of all experience levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. Typically found in \u003cstrong\u003esandy lagoons and lower reef slopes\u003c\/strong\u003e, often resting freely on the substrate or loosely attached to rubble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Sea Brain Coral is \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, hosting \u003cstrong\u003esymbiotic zooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e that provide most of its nutritional needs. However, regular feeding enhances growth, colour, and polyp inflation. Offer \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 feedings per week\u003c\/strong\u003e of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysis shrimp or finely chopped meaty foods\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine snow or zooplankton blends\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecialized LPS coral foods\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed at night or when feeder tentacles are visible — the coral responds quickly to food in the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to higher or lower levels with proper acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePAR range: \u003cstrong\u003e100–200 ¬µmol\/m¬≤\/s\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid direct, intense light that may cause bleaching or tissue recession.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong blue lighting enhances its fluorescent colours.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate, indirect flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle water movement is best — enough to keep the coral clean and provide oxygen exchange without disturbing its fleshy tissue. Strong flow may cause retraction or tissue damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace directly on \u003cstrong\u003esandy substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e or a smooth, flat rock at the bottom of the tank.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid sharp rocks or coarse gravel that can cut the coral’s soft tissue.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave \u003cstrong\u003e10–15 cm (4–6 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e of space around it to prevent contact with other corals — \u003cem\u003eTrachyphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e extends short sweeper tentacles at night.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not place it on vertical rockwork; it may fall and suffer damage.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful and reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, blennies, tangs, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef-safe invertebrates (shrimp, snails, hermits, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther LPS and soft corals placed at a safe distance\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive corals (e.g., Euphyllia, Galaxea) with long sweeper tentacles\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge angelfish, butterflies, or puffers that may nip its tissue\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMildly aggressive.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrachyphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e can extend short sweeper tentacles at night and should not be placed too close to other corals. Generally non-confrontational but can be stung or damaged by aggressive neighbours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeginner to intermediate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Very hardy and adaptable under stable water conditions, making it ideal for both new and experienced reef aquarists. Responds well to feeding and consistent parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400–450 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1250–1350 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;10 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e75 gallons (280L)\u003c\/strong\u003e for stability and growth room\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular water changes and trace element replenishment help maintain vivid colouration and strong skeletal health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrachyphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e is a peaceful, showy coral that adds movement and colour to mixed or LPS-dominated reefs. Best displayed on the sandbed under soft blue lighting, where it expands fully and shimmers with metallic hues.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864403194231,"sku":"FSH-01178","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Brain-Coral-Sea-Trachyphyllia-Sp.png?v=1773331158","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/brain-coral-sea-trachyphyllia-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}