Plate Corals
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
This is a fascinating coral that can climb significant slopes, as well as turn themselves over. Janine Cairns-Michael
[edit] Overview
The colors of Fungia spp. range from tan to pink to green. Numerous small tentacles are found over the surface of the animal. They generally retract during the day.
Family: Fungiidae
Other common name(s):
- Mushroom Coral
- Disc Coral
Native range:
Habitat: Normally found on sand or coral rubble, they should be placed on similar substrates in a reef aquarium.
Maximum length: 30 cm (12 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 190 L (50 gal)
Lighting: Must have bright illumination.
Placement: In full bright light.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Zooxanthellate, but need significant feeding to stay healthy or grow. Will eat small pieces of fish, shrimp, or squid placed on the oral disc.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Good aquarium animals. Can be aggressive.
[edit] Special Care
Mobile Fungia are rather fascinating animals, but they do have a drawback: both their nematocysts and copious chemically laden mucus secretions pack quite a punch. As they move, they may bump into other corals or animals in the tank and cause significant damage. Care must be taken with their placement.
| Common name | Plate Corals +, Mushroom Coral +, and Disc Coral + |
| Family | Fungiidae + |
| Genus | Fungia + |
| Image credit | JCM + |
| Lighting | Must have bright illumination. + |
| Maximum length | 12 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 50 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific + |
| Placement | In full bright light. + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | spp. + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |