The Magnificent Wellsophyllia Coral: An Indo-Pacific Beauty

An Overview of Wellsophyllia Corals

Wellsophyllia corals belong to the family Mussidae, which contains over 100 species of large polyp stony or LPS corals. As their name implies, wellsophyllia colonies have exceptionally large polyps measuring 1-3 inches in diameter when fully expanded. These fleshy polyps give wellsophyllias an otherworldly, alien-like appearance.

Each polyp contains tentacles armed with stinging cells for capturing plankton and suspended particles from the water column. The tentacles come in a range of hues including green, pink, blue, purple, brown, and white. When closed during the daytime, the colony takes on a mottled brain-like appearance.

Wellsophyllias grow in a variety of different formations. Some form dome-shaped colonies attached to rocks while others develop a plate-like structure. This coral can also grow in tree-like shapes with numerous branches extending from a central trunk.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Wellsophyllia corals inhabit shallow reef environments in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. They are found widely distributed from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Central Indo-Pacific and from Japan to Australia and the oceanic islands of the Pacific.

Wellsophyllias occur at depths ranging from 10-40 meters where they can access sufficient light. They are commonly found on reef slopes, lagoons, and sheltered areas. Strong wave action and full exposure can damage their fragile skeletons.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Like many large polyp corals, Wellsophyllia corals are photosynthetic and heterotrophic. Each polyp contains symbiotic zooxanthellae algae that provide nutrients through photosynthesis. The coral also captures plankton and organic particles from the surrounding seawater using its stinging tentacles.

In captivity, target feeding the wellsophyllia directly can accelerate growth and expansion. Meaty items like mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and cyclops plankton work well. The large polyps can even capture pieces of seafood like clam, scallop, and fish.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Wellsophyllia corals can reproduce both sexually through spawning and asexually through budding of polyps. During mass spawning events triggered by the lunar cycle, they release buoyant egg and sperm bundles that fuse and form free-swimming larvae.

These larvae float in the plankton before settling onto the reef and metamorphosing into juvenile polyps. Budding occurs when polyps split into two or more daughters that form the basis of a new colony.

Keeping Wellsophyllia Corals in Aquariums

The hardy nature and beauty of Wellsophyllia corals make them desirable for reef aquarists. Their low-light preference and minimal water flow requirements allow them to thrive even in simple setups.

Wellsophyllias adapt well to aquarium life in stable conditions between 72-78°F and specific gravity between 1.023-1.025. Moderate lighting Satisfying its nutritional needs with several target feedings per week is key.

These corals prefer established tanks with plentiful hiding spots and well-developed copepod populations. Provide ample room between wellsophyllias and other corals to prevent stinging or chemical warfare.

Ideal Aquarium Conditions for Wellsophyllia Corals

• Water Temperature: 72°F - 78°F
• Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
• Lighting: Moderate - 150-250 PAR
• Flow: Low to Moderate
• Aggression: Medium to High
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Tank Mates for Wellsophyllia Corals

Wellsophyllias can be combined with other large polyp corals like scolymia, cynarina, and blastomussa species. Mix with hardy species of LPS and soft corals that can defend themselves against stinging attacks.

Avoid placing next to delicate coral like acropora or montipora that can easily be damaged. Also use caution when pairing with anemones which may be stung or forced to move.

Common Problems with Wellsophyllia Corals

Issues that may arise when keeping wellsophyllias include:

• Bleached or receded tissue due to insufficient light or water quality.
• Excess mucus production indicating stress.
• Nematocysts visible on tentacles signaling aggression toward neighbors.
• Tissue recession due to rapid parameter changes or chemical warfare with neighbors.

Catching and correcting adverse conditions early prevents long-term harm to wellsophyllias. Maintain excellent water quality through filtration, protein skimming, and water changes to support its health.

The Splendor of Wellsophyllia Corals

For experienced aquarists, few corals can match the exotic allure of the Wellsophyllia. The next time you gaze at its fleshy alien-like polyps unfurled under aquarium lights, take a moment to appreciate this Indo-Pacific wonder.

FAQs

What is the scientific name for the wellsophyllia coral?

The scientific name for the wellsophyllia coral is Blastomussa wellsi.

How large do wellsophyllia coral colonies grow?

In the wild, wellsophyllia colonies can grow to several feet in size. Individual polyps expand to around 1-3 inches in diameter when fully open.

What is the ideal water flow for a wellsophyllia coral?

Wellsophyllia corals prefer low to moderate water flow in the aquarium. Excess water movement can damage their fragile skeletons.

What causes a wellsophyllia coral to produce excess mucus?

Excess mucus production usually indicates that the wellsophyllia is stressed by water quality issues, lighting problems, or other adverse conditions.

What fish can be kept with a wellsophyllia coral?

Wellsophyllias can be housed with hardy fish species that won't nip at their polyps. Blennies, tangs, triggers, angels, and many other reef fish make good tank mates.