Blastomussa Coral (Blastomussa merletti)

The Blastomussa Coral is also referred to as a Pineapple or Branched Cup coral. This variety is aquacultured and is red with neon green centers. They can be confused with the Candy Cane coral (Caulastrea sp.), but has a more compact and a more dome-like appearance. The neon green centers of this species will glow under actinic lighting, adding further appeal to your reef aquarium.

The Blastomussa Coral does well in an established reef aquarium being a moderately hardy coral. A low water current combined with a moderate light level will make a wonderful home for this species. It is not aggressive, and does not contain long sweeper tentacles, so it may be placed in close proximity to other peaceful corals or invertebrates. It benefits from the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

Its body contains the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae from which it receives the majority of its nutritional requirements through photosynthesis. It does not require additional food to maintain its health in the reef aquarium, but it will feed on zooplankton or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.