Purple & Green Hue Trachyphyllia

Trachyphyllia, commonly known as the Folded Brain Coral or Open Brain Coral, is a classic Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral that has been a favorite in the marine aquarium hobby for many years. It is a free-living species, meaning it does not encrust on rockwork, but rather has a conical skeleton that allows it to sit comfortably on a soft substrate. Its unique shape and large, fleshy polyps make it an interesting centerpiece for the lower areas of a reef tank.

The appearance of a Trachyphyllia is distinct. It features a figure-eight or folded valley structure from which its fleshy mantle expands. The surface is often covered in bubbles or vesicles, and the color patterns can be quite variable, though they most commonly display shades of green, red, or pink, often with contrasting colors in the mouths or valleys. At night or when feeding, it can expand its polyps significantly and extend short feeder tentacles.

Care for Trachyphyllia is straightforward, provided its core needs are met. It requires low to moderate lighting, ideally in the 75-150 PAR range, and should be placed on the sandbed. Intense lighting can cause the coral to lose color or bleach. Water flow should be gentle and indirect to prevent tissue damage to its fleshy body. While it can derive some energy from its zooxanthellae, this coral benefits greatly from regular target feeding of meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialized LPS pellets once or twice a week. For water parameters, maintain calcium between 400-450 ppm, alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, and magnesium between 1350-1500 ppm. It is generally peaceful but should be given a few inches of space from other corals to prevent any potential contact from sweeper tentacles. Acclimate slowly using a drip method to ensure a smooth transition.

The Folded Brain Coral is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking to add a unique and active specimen to their aquarium's sandbed. Its engaging feeding response and distinctive form provide a different kind of interest compared to branching or encrusting corals. For its simple demands, it offers a great deal of character and visual appeal.

This is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) item. The coral you will receive is the exact specimen shown in the product imagery. This ensures you know precisely the shape, size, and coloration of the coral you are purchasing.

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.