Plate Short Tenticle Hard Coral Fungia Sp

Plate Short Tentacle Hard Coral (Fungia sp.)

(Also known as Plate Coral, Disc Coral, or Short Tentacle Fungia)

Overview

The Plate Short Tentacle Hard Coral (Fungia sp.) is a captivating large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, known for its flat, circular shape and vibrant colours, ranging from pink, orange, purple, and green to metallic and fluorescent combinations. Its short, fleshy tentacles extend across the surface, giving the coral a soft, textured look during the day and a gentle waving motion under current. As a free-living coral, Fungia rests unattached on the substrate and can move slowly to adjust its position. Hardy, peaceful, and visually striking, it’s a long-time favourite for both novice and experienced aquarists seeking a unique coral for the aquarium floor.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Maldives. Typically found on sandy reef flats, lagoon beds, and lower reef slopes, where it lives independently on soft substrate or rubble.

Feeding

The Plate Coral is photosynthetic, housing zooxanthellae that supply most of its nutrition. Supplemental feeding encourages growth and recovery, particularly after fragmentation or transport. Feed 1–2 times per week with:

• Mysis or brine shrimp
• Finely chopped seafood or coral plankton
• LPS-targeted coral foods

Feed when tentacles are visible (usually during the evening or after lights dim).

Lighting

Moderate lighting. Provide bright, diffused illumination using LED, T5, or hybrid lighting systems.

• PAR range: 100–200 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s
• Avoid high-intensity direct light, which can cause bleaching.
• Blue-spectrum lighting enhances the coral’s fluorescent pigments, especially greens and oranges.

Water Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, alternating currents help keep the coral free of debris while allowing full polyp expansion. Avoid strong flow that can dislodge or flip the coral.

Placement

• Place on the sandy substrate or a flat, open rock ledge, where it can expand freely.
• Do not glue or wedge into rockwork — Fungia is free-living and should be able to move slightly.
• Provide at least 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) clearance from other corals to prevent stings or crowding.
• Avoid sharp rock or shell fragments beneath the coral to prevent tissue damage.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Compatible with:

• Peaceful reef fish (gobies, wrasses, clownfish, tangs, etc.)
• Snails, shrimp, and small hermit crabs
• Other peaceful LPS and soft corals

Avoid:

• Aggressive stinging corals (e.g., Galaxea, Euphyllia, Hydnophora) nearby
• Butterflyfish, large angelfish, or puffers that may nip at polyps
• Burrowing animals that might disturb the coral’s position in the sand

Aggression

Peaceful.Fungia does not actively sting other corals but should be given space, as its short tentacles can irritate nearby tissue on contact.

Experience Level

Beginner to intermediate. The Plate Short Tentacle Coral is hardy and adaptable but benefits from stable parameters and occasional feeding. It’s ideal for aquarists of all levels and a must-have for sandbed or lagoon-style aquascapes.

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 80 litres (20 gallons) for a single specimen; larger tanks preferred for open sand areas

Stable water chemistry ensures healthy tissue and vibrant colouration.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Plate Short Tentacle Hard Coral adds elegance, movement, and colour to the aquarium floor. Its free-living nature and unique shape make it ideal for open spaces in mixed or LPS-dominant reef systems. It’s peaceful, low-maintenance, and a perfect choice for diversifying coral textures and forms.

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Interesting Fact

Fungia corals are mobile and self-cleaning — they can inflate their tissue to right themselves if flipped and even move short distances using subtle water pressure changes beneath their base.