Open Brain Coral

The Open Brain Coral, often recognized under genera such as Trachyphyllia or Lobophyllia, is a staple large polyp stony coral that has held a respected place in the marine aquarium hobby for decades. Valued for its dramatic fleshy expansion and classic reef presence, it makes a substantial focal point on the substrate. This piece measures approximately 6cm across when gently expanded.

By day, the coral inflates its thick mantle with water, presenting a folded, valleyed surface that conceals its hard skeletal base beneath. At night or during feeding times, short feeding tentacles extend from along the central tissue folds to capture passing prey. Growth occurs via slow skeletal accretion as the mantle thickens and develops increasingly convoluted lobes over time.

Care requirements are straightforward, making it well suited to established mixed reefs. It thrives under moderate lighting, typically within a PAR range of 75 to 150, paired with low to moderate indirect water movement to prevent tissue tearing against its own skeleton. Placement is best on a soft sandbed where the heavy fleshy tissue cannot be bruised by surrounding rockwork. Target feeding with fine meaty items such as mysis or enriched brine shrimp once or twice weekly supports steady growth, while stable water chemistry with calcium around 420 to 450 ppm, alkalinity between 8 and 9 dKH, and magnesium near 1350 ppm is essential for skeletal health. Allow several centimeters of clearance from neighbouring corals, as sweeper tentacles can be deployed after dark, and acclimate the specimen gradually to both water chemistry and lighting levels.

This is not a WYSIWYG listing; you'll receive a specimen of the same species with similar size and colouration to the one pictured, hand-picked for health and colour.

Please note that colours can look slightly different in person than in photos, depending on your lighting and screen, and the size given is an approximate guide measured at the time of listing.

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.