Nano Button Scoly Scolymia Sp

Nano Button Scoly (Scolymia sp.)

(Also known as Mini Scoly, Button Coral, or Disc Coral)

Overview

The Nano Button Scoly (Scolymia sp.) is a compact, vividly coloured large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, highly prized for its brilliant hues and symmetrical disc-like shape. Often displaying vibrant combinations of red, green, orange, and blue, this coral brings exceptional colour contrast and visual appeal to reef aquariums — even in small spaces. Its fleshy, button-sized body and central feeding mouth give it a bold presence, while its peaceful nature and moderate care level make it a popular choice for both nano and full-sized reef systems.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and Fiji. Found on sandy reef slopes and lagoon floors, where it rests on substrate or among rubble in low to moderate light and gentle flow.

Feeding

The Nano Button Scoly is photosynthetic, housing zooxanthellae that provide most of its nutritional needs. However, regular target feeding enhances colour and growth. Feed 2–3 times per week with:

• Mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood
• Marine plankton or LPS coral foods
• Enriched brine shrimp or coral pellets

Feed when feeding tentacles are visible (usually at night or after lights dim).

Lighting

Low to moderate lighting. Too much light can cause colour fading or tissue recession. Provide diffused illumination from LED, T5, or hybrid systems.

• PAR range: 75–150 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s
• Acclimate slowly to new lighting conditions to avoid bleaching.
• Under blue-spectrum lighting, colour pigments intensify dramatically, producing neon fluorescence.

Water Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, variable currents help keep the coral clean and allow full polyp expansion. Avoid direct jets of flow that can cause the fleshy tissue to retract or tear.

Placement

• Place on the substrate or a stable rock ledge with gentle flow and diffused light.
• Ensure a flat, secure surface — the coral expands outward and should not tip or shift.
• Provide 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of space from other corals to prevent contact with sweeper tentacles or aggressive neighbours.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Compatible with:

• Peaceful reef fish (gobies, blennies, tangs, clownfish, etc.)
• Snails, hermit crabs, shrimp, and starfish
• Other non-aggressive LPS and soft corals

Avoid:

• Large angelfish or butterflyfish (may nip at fleshy tissue)
• Aggressive stinging corals (e.g., Torch, Hammer, Galaxea) nearby
• Crabs or shrimp that may climb or irritate the coral

Aggression

Peaceful.Scolymia corals do not possess long sweeper tentacles but can release mild toxins if crowded. Maintain moderate spacing to prevent tissue damage or chemical stress.

Experience Level

Beginner to intermediate. The Nano Button Scoly is hardy and easy to maintain with stable water conditions. Ideal for smaller reef systems, coral gardens, or collectors looking for a compact, colourful display coral.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Alkalinity (dKH): 8–12
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrate: <10 ppm
• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm
• Tank Size: Minimum 40 litres (10 gallons); larger tanks preferred for long-term stability

Stable alkalinity and calcium levels are essential for healthy skeletal development and tissue thickness.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Nano Button Scoly is peaceful, vividly coloured, and compact — making it perfect for nano reefs, mixed LPS systems, and collector displays. With its gentle care requirements and hypnotic fluorescence, it adds a jewel-like focal point to any aquarium.

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Interesting Fact

Unlike larger Scolymia species that can exceed 10 cm in diameter, “Nano” or “Button” Scolys are naturally small, often remaining under 5 cm across — allowing aquarists to keep multiple vibrant morphs together in small reef displays.