Welcome reef enthusiasts! If you’re looking to add a spectacular centerpiece to your reef tank, few corals captivate like Scolymia corals. Known for their vibrant colours, fascinating feeding behaviours, and unique shapes, Scolymia are some of the most stunning large polyp stony (LPS) corals in the aquarium hobby. This guide will dive deep into the essentials of Scolymia coral care, sharing expert insights and practical tips to help you keep these beautiful corals thriving in your reef aquarium.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Scolymia Corals
- Lighting Requirements for Scolymia Coral Care
- Water Flow and Placement
- Maintaining Ideal Water Parameters
- Feeding and Nutrition
- Propagation and Aquaculture Challenges
- Conclusion: Why Scolymia Should Be Your Next Reef Tank Star
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Scolymia Coral Care
Introduction to Scolymia Corals
Scolymia corals are often regarded as crown jewels in reef tanks, prized for their dramatic colours and large, fleshy polyps. Within the hobby, there are primarily three species commonly available:
- Scolymia australis
- Scolymia vidiensis
- Croc Island Scolies
Among these, Scolymia australis is the most prevalent and widely sought after. This species offers an impressive array of colour patterns—many of which have special names in the hobby like “Bleeding Apple” and “UFO.” The highly coveted “Master Skully” features three or more vivid colours, creating a truly eye-catching pattern.
Lighting Requirements for Scolymia Coral Care
When it comes to lighting, Scolymia corals are photosynthetic but not demanding. They thrive in a range of light intensities from 20 to 150 PAR, favouring lower light areas within the tank. Many reef keepers position them on the sand bed or lower regions of the aquarium.
A commonly debated point in the hobby has been whether LED lighting can support these corals. Contrary to some opinions, Scolymia under LED lights can flourish, as demonstrated by thriving specimens in many aquariums today.
Instead of focusing solely on light intensity, it’s more important to provide the right light spectrum to support the coral’s zooxanthellae. This means tuning your lighting to provide the correct colours and wavelengths rather than just chasing high PAR numbers.
Water Flow and Placement
Water flow is critical for Scolymia coral health, primarily to prevent detritus from accumulating around their mouths, which can inhibit feeding. These corals prefer low to medium flow—enough to keep them clean but not so strong that it stresses their delicate polyps.
Interestingly, while many hobbyists place their Scolymia corals horizontally on sand beds, in the wild they are often found mounted vertically on rockwork. This natural vertical positioning can also be advantageous in aquariums, especially after feeding, as it helps prevent food from settling on the oral disc and allows waste to be whisked away by the current.
Maintaining Ideal Water Parameters
Consistency remains key when it comes to water parameters for Scolymia corals. Keeping stable levels of alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium supports healthy skeletal growth. The goal should be to mimic natural seawater conditions as closely as possible rather than chasing specific numeric targets.
Another helpful tip is maintaining slightly cooler water temperatures, around 77°F (25°C) or slightly below, which has been observed to benefit Scolymia health. Fortunately, these temperatures are generally well tolerated by most other corals, making this a practical recommendation for mixed reef tanks.
Feeding and Nutrition
LPS corals like Scolymia are known for their enthusiastic feeding responses, making them a joy to feed regularly. They respond well to a variety of foods, including frozen options, pellets, coral-specific paste, phytoplankton, and amino acids.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, coral paste is a preferred choice because it’s easy to apply and is well accepted by the corals. Feeding every few days while allowing ample digestion time is critical for maintaining their health and vibrant colours.
Propagation and Aquaculture Challenges
Unlike some other corals, Scolymia are not quick or easy to frag and aquaculture. While it is possible to frag them, it is a slow process that requires patience and dedication. Because Scolymia corals are currently readily available in the hobby, dedicating extensive aquaculture resources to them isn't always practical.
However, facilities like Top Shelf Aquatics are prepared to ramp up aquaculture efforts if import restrictions arise. Additionally, there have been instances of broadcast spawning events in captivity when large groups of Scolymia are housed together, offering potential for future propagation research.
Conclusion: Why Scolymia Should Be Your Next Reef Tank Star
If you’ve had success with LPS corals and want to add a true showpiece to your reef, Scolymia corals are an excellent choice. Their intense colours, unique patterns, and rewarding feeding behaviours make them a standout addition. By following the care guidelines above—lighting, flow, water parameters, and feeding—you can enjoy these spectacular corals thriving in your aquarium.
For those interested, many stunning specimens are available through trusted suppliers like Top Shelf Aquatics, where you can find some of the finest Scolymia corals in the hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Scolymia Coral Care
What light intensity is best for Scolymia corals?
Scolymia corals do well in low to medium light, typically between 20 and 150 PAR. Focus more on providing the right light spectrum rather than high intensity.
Where should I place Scolymia corals in my reef tank?
They are often placed on the sand bed or lower parts of the tank. However, mounting them vertically on rockwork can mimic their natural habitat and aid in cleanliness and feeding.
What water flow do Scolymia corals prefer?
Low to medium flow is ideal to prevent detritus buildup around their mouths while ensuring adequate water circulation.
How often should I feed my Scolymia coral?
Feed every few days with a variety of foods such as coral paste, frozen foods, pellets, and phytoplankton, while allowing time for digestion between feedings.
Are Scolymia corals easy to propagate?
Propagation is possible but slow and challenging. Currently, they are widely available commercially, so aquaculture is not always the primary focus.
Do Scolymia corals prefer cooler or warmer water?
Scolymia corals tend to thrive in slightly cooler temperatures around 77°F (25°C) or a bit lower, which also suits many other reef corals.
This article was inspired from the video How to be SUCCESSFUL with Scolymia Coral! | Drop a like and subscribe to show your support!
