{"product_id":"closed-spiny-brain-hard-coral-symphyllia-sp","title":"Closed Spiny Brain Hard Coral Symphyllia Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eClosed Spiny Brain Hard Coral (Symphyllia sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Closed Brain Coral, Spiny Brain Coral, or Dented Brain Coral)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Closed Spiny Brain Coral (\u003cem\u003eSymphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a beautifully sculpted \u003cstrong\u003elarge-polyp stony (LPS) coral\u003c\/strong\u003e, prized for its \u003cstrong\u003edeep valleys, fleshy ridges, and intricate brain-like patterns\u003c\/strong\u003e. Colonies are often circular or folded, with colours ranging from \u003cstrong\u003egreen, red, and orange\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003epurple and metallic hues\u003c\/strong\u003e, frequently featuring fluorescent streaks under actinic or blue LED lighting. \u003cem\u003eSymphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e corals are \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic, hardy, and moderately aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e, making them ideal showpieces for mature reef aquariums.\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. Found on \u003cstrong\u003elower reef slopes and lagoonal areas\u003c\/strong\u003e where water movement is gentle and light levels are moderate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Closed Spiny Brain Coral is \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, housing \u003cstrong\u003esymbiotic zooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e for primary nutrition. However, supplemental feeding enhances colouration, polyp extension, and growth. Offer \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 feedings per week\u003c\/strong\u003e of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine snow or zooplankton blends\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecialised LPS coral foods\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed at night or during low light when feeder tentacles are extended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate lighting preferred.\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide bright, indirect light from \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide\u003c\/strong\u003e systems.\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\u003eAcclimate slowly to intense lighting to avoid bleaching.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue-spectrum lighting enhances fluorescence and pattern definition.\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 currents prevent detritus buildup and promote gas exchange without irritating or tearing the coral’s fleshy tissue. Avoid strong, direct jets that can cause tissue damage or retraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace on the \u003cstrong\u003esandy substrate or lower rockwork\u003c\/strong\u003e, away from sharp edges or coarse gravel.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnsure the coral rests securely and does not rub against hard surfaces.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow \u003cstrong\u003e10–15 cm (4–6 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e of space around it to prevent stings or tissue contact with other corals.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs\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 stinging corals (e.g. Galaxea, Hydnophora) nearby\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip at fleshy tissue\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerately aggressive.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSymphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e can extend \u003cstrong\u003eshort sweeper tentacles\u003c\/strong\u003e at night and produce allelopathic chemicals to defend territory. Always maintain spacing from neighbouring corals to avoid damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate.\u003c\/strong\u003e While generally hardy, \u003cem\u003eSymphyllia\u003c\/em\u003e requires stable water chemistry and thoughtful placement to maintain tissue health and prevent aggression issues. Suitable for aquarists with basic LPS experience.\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 stable conditions and adequate spacing\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular water changes and trace element supplementation support skeletal growth and colour intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Closed Spiny Brain Coral is a spectacular, fleshy LPS coral suited for peaceful mixed reefs. Its bold structure and bright colours make it a visual centrepiece on the sandbed, but careful spacing and moderate flow are essential to prevent damage or aggression.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864403358071,"sku":"FSH-01182","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Closed-Spiny-Brain-Hard-Coral-Symphyllia-Sp.png?v=1773331163","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/closed-spiny-brain-hard-coral-symphyllia-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}