Warpaint Scolymia Australis

Scolymia australis is a classic large-polyp stony coral that commands attention as a bottom-dwelling centrepiece. These are solitary polyps, meaning the entire animal is one individual, known for a fleshy body and a wide range of possible colours and patterns. The "Warpaint" designation refers to varieties that display sharp, distinct sections of contrasting colour, often looking as if they were painted on.

In the aquarium, a healthy Scolymia will inflate its tissue significantly, often hiding its circular skeleton completely. It has a wonderfully puffy and substantial appearance. At night or during feeding, it may extend short feeder tentacles around its mouth. The "Warpaint" pattern is particularly noticeable in this coral, with bold lines or wedges of colour that radiate from the centre, creating a unique and defined look for each specimen.

Care for a Scolymia is straightforward in a stable reef system. It requires low to moderate lighting, so a spot on the sandbed or a low-lying rock is ideal, with a PAR range of about 75-150. Water flow should be gentle and indirect, just enough to keep the surface clear of detritus without blasting the delicate tissue. While it gets energy from its zooxanthellae, it does best with supplemental feeding once or twice a week. Offer meaty foods like mysis or dedicated LPS pellets directly to the mouth area. Give it some personal space, as it can produce short sweeper tentacles that may irritate neighbouring corals.

This coral is a perfect inhabitant for the lower third of a mixed reef tank. Its static nature and preference for lower flow and light make it a good neighbour for other LPS corals, as long as they are not placed in direct contact. It brings a concentrated point of interest to an area of the tank that can sometimes be overlooked.

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.