Coral Database on R2R??

[ahayes13]

photo courtesy of Yellowtang

Elephant skin coral
submitted by: ahayes13
Coral type: SPS
Scientific Nameachyseris sp.
Family: Agariciidae
Behavior: Passive
Hosts Zooxanthellae: yes
Color variations: green, tan

Needs:

Water current: strong
Iodine supplement: yes
Calcium Supplement: yes
Trace Elements Supplement: water change

Needs meaty foods: no
Needs Phytoplankton: no
Needs Microplankton: no

Lighting: moderate to high
Care level: moderate

Likes meaty foods: no
Likes Phytoplankton: no
Likes Microplankton: no

Description: Unlike most sps corals the elephant skin coral does not have any visible polyps. Since this coral does not have polyps to feed off any type of food from the water it will need to placed where it gets appropriate high lighting to grow and thrive.

 

[Russellaqua]

Plate coral
submitted by: Russellaqua
Scientific Name: Diaseris fragilis
Family: Fungiidae
Behavior: Passive
Hosts Zooxanthellae: yes
Color variations: green, tan, purple

Needs:

Water current: low to high
Iodine supplement: yes
Calcium Supplement: yes
Trace Elements Supplement: yes

Needs meaty foods: no
Needs Phytoplankton: no
Needs Microplankton: no

Lighting: moderate
Care level: beginner

Likes meaty foods: yes
Likes Phytoplankton: yes
Likes Microplankton: ye

Description: Diaseris has a pronounced asymmetry and may have several mouths, distinguishing it from many other plate corals. It should be placed on the sand bed.

Photo courtesy of RandyO

 

[Russellaqua]

Plate coral
submitted by: Russellaqua
Scientific Name: Cycloseris sp.
Family: Fungiidae
Behavior: Passive
Hosts Zooxanthellae: yes
Color variations: green, tan, purple, orange

Needs:

Water current: low to high
Iodine supplement: yes
Calcium Supplement: yes
Trace Elements Supplement: yes

Needs meaty foods: no
Needs Phytoplankton: no
Needs Microplankton: no

Lighting: moderate
Care level: beginner

Likes meaty foods: yes
Likes Phytoplankton: yes
Likes Microplankton: yes

Description: Cycloseris sp. is similar to Fungia sp. but is smaller, and also similar to Diaseris sp., but is symmetrical with one mouth.

Photo courtesy of ReefRunner

 

[jlinzmaier]

I see many people writing in that various corals like phyotplankton. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that there are truly very very few corals which feed on phyto. Corals are predominantly carnivores. For those of you documenting that the coral you listed "likes phytoplankton" could you show some literature to support that?

Dosing phytoplankton into a reef tank is very beneficial as it feeds the tiny critters that our corals then feed on, but I have yet to see any documentation that any corals that are listed here truly feed on phyto. The only one that I would possibly consider would be the pachyseris but even that is quite controversial.

Thanks.

Jeremy

 

[Russellaqua]

Corals are passive feeders meaning they can't chase after their prey and feed on whatever comes their way. Julian Sprung's Corals A Quick Reference Guide lists nearly all corals consuming some phyto. They may prefer other foods.

 

[jlinzmaier]

Corals are passive feeders meaning they can't chase after their prey and feed on whatever comes their way. Julian Sprung's Corals A Quick Reference Guide lists nearly all corals consuming some phyto. They may prefer other foods.

Hey thanks russellaqua!

I don't have sprung's book but I did find an article by Borneman that supported the idea that stony corals could potentially use phyto as a food source (although the primary diet is comprised of zooplankton).
The Food of Reefs, Part 3: Phytoplankton by Eric Borneman - Reefkeeping.com
Very contrary to everything I've read in the past but very legitimate concepts anyway.

Appreciate the reply.

Jeremy

 

[Russellaqua]

No problem Jeremy.

 

[twisted]

loving the thread! wish i could contribute, but thanks for all this great info!

 

[Russellaqua]

Flowerpot coral
submitted by: Russellaqua
Scientific Name: Alveopora
Family: Poriitidae
Behavior: Passive
Hosts Zooxanthellae: yes
Color variations: green, tan, purple, orange

Needs:

Water current: low to moderate
Iodine supplement: yes
Calcium Supplement: yes
Trace Elements Supplement: yes

Needs meaty foods: no
Needs Phytoplankton: no
Needs Microplankton: no

Lighting: moderate
Care level: beginner

Likes meaty foods: yes
Likes Phytoplankton: yes
Likes Microplankton: yes

Description: Alveopora sp.has 12 tentacles compared to the 24 of Goniopora sp., making them easily confused. It should be placed low in the tank.

Photo courtesy of Laksopyre