Red Scolymia Australis Frag
The Red Scolymia Australis Frag is a striking fleshy LPS coral with deep red colouration, a large central mouth and the rounded, inflated appearance that makes Scolymia one of the most recognisable corals in the reef hobby.
Also commonly called a Button Coral, Scolymia australis is a solitary coral made up of a single large polyp. When settled and healthy, the tissue can inflate considerably, giving the coral a bold, fleshy appearance that stands out beautifully on the sandbed.
Care Information
Scientific Name: Scolymia australis
Common Name: Scolymia / Button Coral
Coral Type: LPS
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Recommended PAR: Approximately 75–150
Water Flow: Low, indirect
Placement: Sandbed or low rockwork
Temperament: Generally Peaceful
Feeding: Supplemental feeding recommended
Aquarium Placement
Red Scolymia performs best in a lower-light area of the aquarium, ideally on the sandbed or on a smooth, low-lying piece of rockwork.
Avoid strong direct flow, as excessive water movement can prevent the fleshy polyp from fully expanding and may damage the tissue against the skeleton.
Feeding
Although photosynthetic, Scolymia respond very well to occasional target feeding.
Suitable foods include:
- Mysis shrimp
- LPS coral pellets
- Finely chopped marine foods
- Other small meaty coral foods
Feeding once or twice per week can help maintain strong body condition and healthy tissue expansion.
Stable Reef Parameters
Eastern Marine recommends approximately:
Calcium: 420–440 ppm
Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
Stable salinity, temperature and nutrient levels are also important for long-term health.
Give It Space
Scolymia are not among the most aggressive LPS corals, but they should still be given several centimetres of clearance from neighbouring corals.
With its deep red colour, large fleshy polyp and impressive presence, the Red Scolymia Australis Frag makes an excellent focal coral for the foreground of an established reef aquarium.
Colour, pattern, shape and frag size may vary between individual specimens.
