Pineapple Coral
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
The Pineapple Coral is an excellent animal for the reef aquarium. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
Corallites are tubular and extend outward from a common base. When the polyps are fully inflated, the colony often appears to be a solid mass. The fleshy polyp is often two-toned, with the oral disc a color that contrasts highly with the edges and sides of the polyp.
Family: Mussidae
Other common name(s):
- Blastomussa
Native range:
Habitat: This species hails from deeper water and often turbid areas, which preadapts it to tanks with low light.
Maximum length: 46 cm (18 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 190 L (50 gal)
Lighting: Needs moderate illumination.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Zooxanthellate. Does well in well-fed reef tanks. Will eat crustacean foods, such as small krill or brine shrimp.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Excellent reef aquarium animal.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Asexual reproduction by budding is common in healthy individuals, and asexual planulae have been implicated by some aquarists who have had small colonies appear all over a reef tank. The tubular corallites are easily broken loose, allowing simple propagation of this species.
| Common name | Pineapple Coral +, and Blastomussa + |
| Family | Mussidae + |
| Genus | Blastomussa + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Lighting | Needs moderate illumination. + |
| Maximum length | 18 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 50 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | merleti + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |