WYSIWYG Fungia Plate Coral

The Plate Coral is a solitary Large Polyp Stony coral exhibiting the signature saucer or dome-shaped skeletal structure characteristic of corals in the Family Fungiidae. This distinct feature magnificently accentuates the "pinwheel" effect created by the alternating bands of dark and light coloration.

In the wild, Plate Corals inhabit the soft or rubble-covered bottoms of lagoons, reef flats or reef edges where they experience turbulent water movement. As such, Plate Corals have the ability to inflate themselves for active locomotion. Plate Corals will move in search of better light conditions or to keep from being covered in sand. Plate Corals do best when placed on the bottom of a reef aquarium, preferably lying on a fine sandy substrate. While amicable towards fellow Fungiids, be sure to provide sufficient space between the Pinwheel Plate Coral and other corals because of its semi-aggressive temperament.

When properly cared for, the Plate Coral is easy to maintain. However, to prevent damage, care should be taken when handling or moving the Plate Coral. Allow the coral to fully retract before lifting it out of your aquarium. The Plate Coral requires moderate light levels combined with medium water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, the Plate Coral will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, iodine, magnesium and trace elements.

The Plate Coral contains the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae, which satisfies almost all of its nutritional requirements but benefits from regular feedings of micro-plankton or baby brine or mysis shrimp.