Red & Green Mouth Symphyllia Coral
The Red & Green Mouth Symphyllia Coral is a beautiful large polyp stony (LPS) coral featuring rich red colouration with contrasting green centres around its mouths. Its thick, fleshy tissue and distinctive brain-like structure create an impressive display of colour and texture, making it an eye-catching feature in established marine reef aquariums.
Commonly referred to as a Brain Coral, Symphyllia is known for its rounded, deeply folded appearance and large, fleshy polyps that expand over its hard skeletal structure. Under suitable reef aquarium lighting, the combination of red tissue and vibrant green mouths creates a striking contrast, particularly when positioned alongside other colourful LPS corals.
Care Information
Genus: Symphyllia (trade identification)
Coral Type: Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Coral
Care Level: Moderate
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Recommended PAR: 50–150
Water Flow: Low to Moderate, indirect
Placement: Sand bed or lower areas of the aquarium
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic, supplemental feeding beneficial
Aquarium Placement
Red & Green Mouth Symphyllia prefer low to moderate lighting and gentle, indirect water movement that allows their fleshy tissue to expand naturally.
Avoid placing the coral directly beneath intense lighting or in areas exposed to strong water flow, as excessive light or current can cause tissue recession and prevent the coral from fully expanding. Gradual light acclimatisation is recommended when introducing it to a new reef aquarium.
The sand bed or stable lower rockwork is generally ideal. Ensure the coral is positioned securely, with its fleshy tissue kept away from sharp rocks or rough surfaces that could cause damage.
Allow adequate space between the Symphyllia and neighbouring corals, as Brain Corals can extend feeding or sweeper tentacles and may sting nearby corals.
Feeding
Symphyllia obtain most of their energy through photosynthesis, supported by the symbiotic algae living within their tissue.
Although regular target feeding is not essential, occasional supplemental feeding can help support healthy tissue growth, colouration and overall condition.
Suitable foods include finely chopped meaty marine foods, mysis shrimp and appropriately sized LPS coral foods. Feeding once or twice per week is generally sufficient, ideally when the coral's feeding tentacles are extended.
Maintaining stable calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels is also important for healthy skeletal growth and long-term success.
Vibrant Colour & Natural Growth
One of the most attractive features of the Red & Green Mouth Symphyllia is its combination of deep red fleshy tissue and contrasting green mouths.
Its thick, rounded polyps form distinctive folds and valleys across the coral's surface, creating the classic brain-like appearance that makes these LPS corals so popular among reef keepers.
Under suitable blue-spectrum reef lighting, the green centres can become particularly vibrant, creating an impressive contrast against the surrounding red tissue.
With stable water parameters, appropriate lighting and occasional feeding, healthy Symphyllia can gradually develop additional skeletal growth and expand into larger colonies over time.
These colourful Brain Corals are an excellent choice for:
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Adding rich red and contrasting green colouration to reef aquariums
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Creating an eye-catching feature on the sand bed or lower rockwork
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Adding texture and colour alongside other LPS corals
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Reef keepers looking for a distinctive, fleshy Brain Coral
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Established marine aquariums with stable water parameters
With its rich red colouration, vibrant green mouths and distinctive fleshy appearance, the Red & Green Mouth Symphyllia is an excellent feature coral for established reef aquariums.
Colour, size and polyp expansion may vary between individual specimens and aquarium conditions.
