Warpaint Scolymia Australis

The Scolymia australis is a solitary large polyp stony coral that has been a long-time favourite in the reef hobby. It's a single, fleshy polyp that forms a disc or button shape. Specimens with "Warpaint" patterning are distinguished by their exceptionally sharp, high-contrast bands of colour, often featuring a combination of deep reds and greens that radiate from the coral's central mouth.

In a home reef, this coral displays a range of interesting behaviours. It can inflate its tissue substantially with water, giving it a full, puffy appearance, and will deflate when disturbed or during a feeding response. At night, short feeder tentacles may emerge from around the mouth to capture small food particles from the water column. The distinct lines of a Warpaint Scolymia hold their definition as the coral grows, making it a very satisfying specimen to watch mature.

Care for Scolymia is straightforward in a stable reef environment. They prefer a low position in the aquarium, either on the sandbed or a low-lying piece of rockwork. Lighting should be in the low to moderate range, typically 50-150 PAR, as high light can cause the colours to fade or the tissue to bleach. Water flow must be gentle and indirect; strong, direct flow can damage the delicate polyp. While photosynthetic, they benefit from target feeding once or twice a week with meaty foods like mysis shrimp. Maintain standard water parameters, including calcium at 420-440 ppm, alkalinity at 8-9 dKH, and magnesium at 1300-1400 ppm. Give it a few inches of personal space to prevent it from being bothered by its neighbours.

Due to its distinct footprint and solitary nature, the Warpaint Scolymia is an excellent choice for a showcase coral in a specific spot. It won't spread unpredictably or develop long, aggressive sweeper tentacles, making it a predictable and peaceful resident for a mixed reef. It adds a concentrated point of colour to lower-energy areas of the tank.

This is a WYSIWYG item, so you'll receive the exact specimen pictured.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.