Maze Hard Coral Platgyra Sp

Description

Maze Hard Coral (Platygyra sp.)

(Also known as Brain Coral, Worm Coral, or Maze Brain Coral)

Overview

The Maze Hard Coral (Platygyra sp.) is an elegant and fascinating large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, instantly recognisable by its maze-like surface patterns formed by winding valleys and ridges. These intricate grooves are lined with fleshy polyps that fluoresce under blue lighting, displaying vibrant shades of green, gold, purple, and brown. Durable and moderately fast-growing, Platygyra adds structure, texture, and natural reef character to aquariums. Hardy once settled, this coral is ideal for aquarists seeking a visually stunning yet relatively low-maintenance LPS specimen.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Red Sea. Commonly found on outer reef slopes and lagoons, where it forms massive or encrusting colonies under moderate light and flow conditions.

Feeding

The Maze Coral is photosynthetic, deriving most of its nutrition from zooxanthellae within its tissue. It also benefits from supplemental feeding, which encourages growth and enhances colouration. Feed 1–2 times per week with:

• Mysis or brine shrimp (finely chopped)

• Marine snow or coral plankton

• LPS-targeted coral foods or powdered blends

Feed in low flow or at night when feeding tentacles are extended for best results.

Lighting

Moderate lighting. Provide bright but indirect illumination from LED, T5, or hybrid systems.

• PAR range: 100‚Äì200 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s

• Avoid intense, direct light, which can cause bleaching or polyp recession.

• Under blue-spectrum lighting, valleys and ridges display strong fluorescence.

Water Flow

Moderate, indirect flow. Provide consistent, multi-directional water movement to prevent detritus buildup in the coral’s valleys and to maintain oxygenation. Avoid direct jets that can damage delicate tissue or erode sand near its base.

Placement

• Place on lower to mid-level rockwork or flat substrate areas with moderate flow and diffused light.

• Ensure stable placement; colonies are heavy and can damage neighbouring corals if shifted.

• Allow 10 cm (4 inches) of space around the coral to prevent tissue contact and avoid aggression from neighbours.

Tank Mates

Reef safe with caution. Compatible with:

• Peaceful reef fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)

• Shrimp, snails, hermit crabs, and starfish

• Other non-aggressive LPS or soft corals

Avoid:

• Aggressive corals (e.g., Galaxea, Hydnophora) nearby

• Large angelfish, butterflyfish, or puffers that may nip at fleshy tissue

Aggression

Moderate. Platygyra can extend short sweeper tentacles at night, capable of stinging nearby corals. Maintain moderate spacing between colonies and ensure good flow to prevent chemical buildup.

Experience Level

Beginner to intermediate. The Maze Coral is hardy, adaptable, and an excellent introduction to LPS coral care. It tolerates a range of water conditions and rewards stable systems with steady growth and intense colouration.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24‚Äì27¬∞C (75‚Äì81¬∞F)

• pH: 8.1‚Äì8.4

• Salinity: 1.024‚Äì1.026 SG

• Alkalinity (dKH): 8‚Äì12

• Calcium: 400‚Äì450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250‚Äì1350 ppm

• Nitrate: <10 ppm

• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm

• Tank Size: Minimum 100 litres (25 gallons) for a small colony; larger tanks provide greater stability and space for expansion

Regular testing and stable alkalinity and calcium levels are vital for skeletal growth and polyp health.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Maze Hard Coral is a peaceful and resilient addition to any reef aquarium. Its intricate ridges and vibrant fluorescent colours provide depth and texture, making it an ideal centrepiece or background coral in mixed LPS systems.

Interesting Fact

The winding valleys of Platygyra corals are shared by multiple mouths within the same tissue, allowing the colony to distribute nutrients efficiently — an adaptation that helps it thrive even in nutrient-poor reef environments.