Trachyphyllia is a genus of LPS - large polyp stony corals. Colloquially they are called open brain corals. The genus is monotypic, only one species, Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, exists after species of different origin were gradually merged into it. A well-known synonym is Wellsophyllia radiata, which was used mainly for variants with a flat skeleton, and is still used by us to distinguish the large-growing, very colorful, and especially very light-sensitive populations from muddy habitats. The skeleton of Trachyphyllia is roughly cone shaped, with a fleshy polyp with a bulging edge sitting on a widening cone. Thus they grow similar to Catalaphyllia jardinei. Young Trachyphyllia grow first on stone until they break off by their own weight and then live freely in mud/sand areas. As they get older, the polyp becomes more twisted and forms lateral bulges until the colony eventually becomes nearly hemispherical with a nearly flat bottom. Common colors are grayish-greenish to neon green, purple specimens occur rarely, reds very rarely, and some populations - unfortunately often very sensitive to burning even in very dim light - are extremely multicolor or rainbow colored with multiple red/yellow/orange/pink/green hues.
Keeping them is simple in itself, they require little light and are very hardy in adapting to less than optimal water conditions. It is best to place them near the bottom in the sand or on a holder (e.g. a ring of PVC pipe) or a crevice. Feeding with fine frozen food or granules is possible, but usually not necessary. Attention should be paid to mechanical injuries and stinging by other corals. As mentioned before, especially the very colorful specimens should be protected from light - they need almost no lighting, more than 20 PAR (almost nothing) can lead to bleaching - it is best to accustom them very slowly and carefully step by step to stronger lighting.
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