Large Polyp Coral

Large Polyp Coral

Large Polyp Corals are one of the most popular, reef compatible organisms for Marine Aquariums. Belonging to the Class Anthozoa, Large Polyp Corals exist in colonies consisting of a large group of individual organisms, called Polyps. Their big sized, unique branched body structure and vibrant colors add immense visual appeal to an aquarium. Fresh Marine, one of the best online markets for aquarium products, offers several interesting types of Large Polyp Corals. However, prior to moving on to them, let us have a fundamental idea about the key features of Large Polyp Corals.

Compatibility. Large Polyp Corals are Semi-aggressive to Aggressive in nature and do well with other peaceful marine invertebrates.

Habit & Habitat. Large Polyp Corals exist in the shallow waters of Tropical Seas & Oceans in all parts of the world, and inhabit Coral Reefs and Lagoons. Large Polyp Corals are key contributor to the hard structure of Coral Reefs as they secrete the required base of Calcium Carbonate.

Morphology. Large Polyp Corals are moderately hardy creatures that are extremely beautiful due to their unique body and striking colors. Large Polyp Corals consist of a Coral Head, which is a group of several independent large sized Polyps. The Head grows when a Polyp undergoes Asexual Reproduction. Each Polyp has some Tentacles, laced with stinging cells called Nematocysts. These Tentacles are used to catch Prey or as a weapon of defense. Each Polyp has a central cavity, which acts both as a Mouth to ingest food as well as an Anus to expel it. Usually Long Sweeper Tentacles surround this opening. The thin and perforated walls of each Corallite consist of interconnected Rods and Spines.

Ideal Marine Aquarium Environment. Large Polyp Corals grow well in an already established, nutrients rich Reef Aquarium with a temperature range of 72-78°F; Specific Gravity of 1.020-1.025; and pH level of water within 8.1-8.4. The aquarium water should be clean and be treated well with Chemical Filters. Large Polyp Corals require moderate light and water current. Keep ample space, approximately 8”, around the Large Polyp Corals to proliferate unhindered.

Aquarium Feeding. Corals are Carnivorous and feed upon Plankton. The primary source of nutrition however, is the food manufactured by Zooxanthellae, the Acellular Photosynthetic Alga living inside Coral Polyps. Keep replenishing Calcium, Iodine, and the other Trace Elements in the aquarium water, along with the other nutrients. Small Polyp Stony Corals (SPS) require low nutrients level and therefore, should not be kept with Large Polyp Corals requiring high level of nutrition.

Aquarium Breeding. Large Polyp Corals usually breed asexually in aquarium by the means of Fission.

Care. Large Polyp Corals are moderately difficult to maintain and can be handled by even a slightly experienced Reef Aquarist.

Now let us browse through the different type of Large Polyp Corals available on Fresh Marine.

Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Corals.

Family – Poritidae.

Alveopora Coral (Alveopora species). Also known as Daisy Flowerpot Coral, Alveopora Branching Flower Pot Coral, Alveopora Sunflower Coral, Yoo Stone Coral, Alveopora Daisy Coral, and Alveopora Ball Coral, this Large Polyp Coral is available in Cream, Tan, Brown, and Green colors with its Oral Disc and Tentacle tips being White. The colonies of the Alveopora Coral are branched and have blunt ends with bumpy columns. These Large Polyp Corals act as host for Ocellaris Clownfish if there is no Anemone.

Flower Pot Coral (Goniopora lobata). Also known as Daisy Coral, Sunflower Coral, Ball Coral, and Yoo Stone Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Brown, Tan, White, Yellow, and Green colors. Goniopora lobata is nocturnal in habit and therefore, feeds at night. As the name suggests, Flower Pot Coral resembles the appearance of a pot of flower when its Polyps are fully open. The Polyps of Flower Pot Coral are long and thin when open and therefore, become quite delicate and vulnerable to wear and tear at even the slightest touch by the other members in the marine aquarium. Flower Pot Coral is difficult to maintain owing to its susceptibility to Bacterial and Fungal infections.

Family – Caryophylliidae.

Euphyllia species.

Anchor Coral (Euphyllia ancora). Also known as Ridge Anchor, Hammerhead, Hammer Coral, Ridge Coral, and Wall Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Blue, Gray, Orange, Green, Brown, and Cream. The Polyps of Anchor Coral emerge from a delicate skeleton resembling a Cup and have large Sweeper Tentacles with Anchor or Hammer shaped tip.

Frogspawn Assorted / Green Branching (Euphyllia divisa). Also known as Honey Coral Wall, Frogspawn Coral, Grape Coral, Octopus Coral, Zigzag Coral, Wall Coral, and Torch Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Green, Brown, Tan, and Cream colors. Frogspawn Assorted Branching is a big wall like structure consisting of large Sweeper Tentacles and Tubular Branches with knobby tips resembling a frog’s eggs’ cluster.

Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens). Also known as Trumpet Coral, Grape Coral, Pom-Pom Coral, Whisker Coral, Branching Anchor Coral, and Branching Hammer Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Green, Brown, Pink, Golden, Yellow, and Tan colors. This Coral requires a minimum of 50 Gallons tank size.

Bubble Pearl Coral / Pearl Coral Green (Physogyra and Plerogyra species). Also known as Pearl Grape Coral, Pearl Octobubble Coral, Bubble Coral, and Small Bubble Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in White, Cream, Tan, and Green colors. Bubble Pearl Coral has several small and retractable, circular, bubble shaped Polyps, resembling a bunch of grapes or balloons.

Fox Coral (Nemanzophyllia turbida). Also known as Ridge Coral, Jasmine Fox Coral, Ruffled Coral, and Jasmine Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Green, Cream, White, Pink, Tan, and Brown colors. The Polyps of Nemanzophyllia turbida are long and fleshy with multiple Mouths at its center. These Corals require a tank of minimum 50 Gallons capacity.

Family – Euphylliidae.

Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia species). Also known as Elegant Coral, Wonder Coral, and Ridge Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Gold, Pink, Green, and Yellow colors. Owing to its delicate body and stinging nature, Elegance Coral is really difficult to maintain and is only recommended for experienced aquarists. The Polyps of the Catalaphyllia species are arranged serially and a series of mouth is visible if you look at a colony. The Tentacles are short and fleshy with varied colored tips.

Family – Trachyphylliidae.

Open Brain Coral Green / Red (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi). Also known as Green Open Brain Coral, Pacific Rose Coral, and Pink-Red Open Brain Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Pink, Red, Brown, Tan, Grey, Green, and Blue colors. Nocturnal in habit, Open Brain Coral, with its single Polyp, resembles the appearance of the Cortex of a primate’s brain. The Coral undergoes natural reproduction; and any deliberate attempt to artificially propagate them may prove lethal for them.

Family - Fungiidae

Assorted Plate Coral (Long Tentacle) (Heliofungia actiniformis). Also known as Disk Coral, Plate Coral, Long Tentacle Coral, Long Tentacled Plate, Mushroom Coral, Sunflower Coral, and Heliofungia Plate, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Green, Brown, Grey, Pink, and Purple colors with White or Pink tips. Heliofungia actiniformis has a Calcareous skeleton with many Tentacles emerging from a flat disk shaped structure, resembling a Sea Anemone.

Plate Coral (Fungia species). Also known as Short Tentacle Plate Coral, Disc Coral, Fungus Coral, and Mushroom Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Red, Purple, Pink, Green, Brown, Tan, Blue, Orange, and Yellow colors.

Tongue Coral (Polyphillia species). Also known as Slipper Coral, Hairy Slipper Coral, Sea Mole, Mole Coral, and Hairy Tongue Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Green, Purple, Orange, Tan, Brown, and Cream colors. The Polyphillia species resembles the shape of a Tongue, Leaf, T, X, or Y.

Family – Faviidae.

Brain Coral (Favites species). Also known as Brain Coral Closed Pineapple, Pineapple Coral, Moon Coral, Closed Brain, Star Coral, Worm Coral, and Honeycomb Coral looks like a brain and occurs in Yellow, Cream, Green, Brown, Tan, and Orange colors. The Calcium Carbonate skeleton of the Large Polyp Coral has many ridges on its surface in which the animal lives.

Brain Platygyra Coral (Platygyra species). Also known as Green Maze Coral, Brain Worm Platygyra Coral, Bowl Coral, Closed Brain Coral, Brain Maze Coral, and Pineapple Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Green, Yellow, Brown, Cream, Tan, and Grey colors. This Coral has a Calcareous skeleton with channels resembling a maze in appearance. The Platygyra species secretes mucus, due to which detritus deposits on its outer surface that needs to be cleaned regularly for the well being of the Coral.

Brain Metallic Coral (Wellsophyllia species). Also known as Open Brain Coral, Trachyphyllia species, Pacific Rose Coral, Green Metallic Brain Coral, Folded Brain, Ultra Green Open Brain, Green Brain, and Green Trachyphyllia, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in the variations of Metallic Green color with Purple crevices. Wellsophyllia species has an irregular, round, folded, flat structure that at times resembles the numeric digit eight.

Brain Star Goniastrea Coral (Goniastrea species). Also known as Honeycomb Coral and Closed Brain Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Yellow, Green, Brown, and Pink colors. Brain Star Goniastrea Coral looks like a big rock with its surface having Brain like convoluted structure with large, star-shaped gaps measuring about one centimeter in diameter.

Candy Coral (Caulestrea furcata). Also known as Candy Buttons Coral, Big Pipe Coral, Candycane Coral, Trumpet Coral, Torch Coral, and Bullseye Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Blue, Green, Cream, Brown, and Yellow colors. Caulestrea furcata has a tubular stalk tipped with star shaped, plump Polyps.

Moonstone - Green Favia Brain (Favia species). Also known as Brain Coral Closed Green Moonstone, Modern Coral, Moon Coral, Pineapple Coral, Brain Coral, Closed Brain Coral, Star Coral, Worm Coral, Moonstone Coral, and Honeycomb Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Brown, Tan, Green, and Cream colors. This Coral has several rounded Polyps resembling Caters in shape. It requires a minimum tank size of fifty Gallons.

Family – Dendrophylliidae.

Sun Coral – Black / Orange (Tubastraea species). Also known as Branched Black Sun Coral, Branched Black Tube Coral, Rose Coral, Black Tube Coral, Branched Black Sun Coral, and Branched Black Tube Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Black, Orange, Yellow, Peach, Red, and Brown colors. Nocturnal in habit, this Black Coral is hardy and has Feeder Tentacles. Only experts should handle this Coral.

Turbinaria Coral (Turbinaria species). Also known as Yellow Cup Coral, Bowl Coral, Lettuce Coral, Octopus Coral, Vase Coral, Scroll Coral, Ruffled Ridge Coral, Pagoda Cup Coral, Cup Coral, and Bowl Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Brown, Tan, Purple, Green, Yellow, Grey, and Cream colors. Turbinaria Coral has a hard skeleton shaped like a cup, a plate, a vase, or a cone.

Family – Mussidae.

Cat's Eye Cynarina Coral (Cynarina lacrymalis). Also known as Cynarina Button Coral, Button Coral, Doughnut Coral, Meat Polyp Coral, Tooth Coral, Cynarina Doughnut Coral, Teary Eye Coral, Flat Brain Coral, Knob Coral, and Flat Brain Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Brown, Green, and Red. Cynarina lacrymalis has single, large, swelled up, translucent Polyp which can rupture easily.

Lobophyllia Brain Coral – Assorted / Red Color (Lobophyllia species). Also known as Open Brain, Carpet Brain Coral, Flat Brain Coral, Flower Coral, Lobed Brain Coral, Colored Coral, Carpet Coral, Flat Coral, Open Brain Coral, Meat Coral, Large Flower Coral, and Modern Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Red, Green, Orange, Grey, Tan, Purple, Yellow, Blue, and Brown colors. Nocturnal in habit, this Large Polyp Coral cannot breed in captivity.

Scolymia Brain Coral (Scolymia species). Also known as Button Scolymia Coral, Green Scolymia Brain, Artichoke Coral, Donut Coral, Button Coral, Saucer Coral, and Meat Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Yellow, Tan, Green, Brown, Cream, and Red colors. This Coral does not breed in aquarium.

Family – Oculinidae.

Galaxy Coral (Galaxea species). Also known as Tooth Coral, Crystal Coral, Galaxy Coral, Moon Coral, and Star Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Green, Tan, and Brown colors. This Large Polyp Coral is very hardy and requires an aquarium of at least 100 Gallons capacity.

Family – Pectiniidae.

Green Eyed Cup Coral (Mycedium species). Also known as Elephant Nose Coral, Plate Coral, and Peacock Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Blue, Green, Grey, Brown, Purple, and Pink colors. Mycedium Coral is nocturnal in habit.

Soft Coral. Family – Helioporidae

Blue Ridge Coral (Heliopora coerulea). Also known as Blue Fire Coral and Blue Coral, this Large Polyp Coral is available in Brown, Tan, Cream, and Blue colors with Brown colored Polyps. Blue Ridge Coral is the only reef building Soft Coral, which has a hard skeleton of Aragonite deposits. Blue Ridge Coral is columnar, encrusting, branched, and plate-like. This Large Polyp Coral requires strong illumination and water current.

Family – Tubiporidae.

Pipe Organ (Green) Coral (Tubipora musica). Also known as Daisy Coral, this Large Polyp Coral occurs in Maroon, Red, White, Grey, Pink, and Green colors. The skeleton of this Coral has a mesh like tubular structure.

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