Description
Scolymia – Scolymia australis
Scolymia australis, commonly known as the Scolymia or “Scoly,” is a showpiece large-polyp stony (LPS) species prized for its intense coloration, thick fleshy mantle, and solitary growth form. Displaying an extraordinary range of colors—from radiant reds and greens to iridescent rainbows and metallic hues—it serves as a focal point in any reef display. Found in deeper, low-light reef zones of Australia, the Scolymia thrives in gentle flow and stable, nutrient-balanced environments.
Lighting: Low to moderate (50–120 PAR); excessive intensity can cause tissue recession, while blue-spectrum lighting enhances fluorescence and depth
Flow: Low to moderate; prefers gentle, indirect flow to prevent tissue damage or sand abrasion
Placement: Bottom of the aquarium on sand or smooth rock; ensure space around the coral for full tissue expansion and prevent contact with rough surfaces
Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
Calcium: 420–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
Nutrients: Moderate (NO₃ 5–15 ppm, PO₄ 0.05–0.10 ppm); slightly nutrient-rich systems enhance coloration and feeding response
Feeding: Photosynthetic but benefits from weekly target feeding with mysis shrimp, reef roids, or finely minced seafood; feeding promotes faster recovery from stress and increased tissue mass
Aggression: High; extends strong feeding tentacles capable of stinging neighboring corals—allow 10–15 cm of space
Growth Rate: Slow; focuses on tissue expansion and polyp mass rather than rapid skeletal growth
Care Level: Intermediate – hardy once established, but sensitive to handling and light fluctuations
Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; best kept as a solitary specimen on the sandbed, away from other LPS species with long sweeper tentacles
