UFO SCOLY

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Scolymia Coral Facts:

1. Species: Scolymia is a genus of stony corals in the family Faviidae. These corals are commonly referred to as "Single Brain Corals" or "Scolymia Corals."

2. Appearance: Scolymia corals have a distinctive appearance, often shaped like a single, round or slightly oval brain. They have a hard, skeleton-like structure, with a surface that often appears ridged or grooved. The surface is usually very colorful, with hues ranging from green, blue, red, and orange.

3. Habitat: These corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in shallow reef environments. They are found at depths of around 10-30 meters and are often found on the seafloor or on the sides of reef structures.

4. Lighting: Scolymia corals thrive under moderate to low lighting conditions in reef aquariums. They don’t require high light intensity like some other corals.

5. Feeding: Scolymia corals are primarily carnivorous, feeding on plankton, small fish, and other microscopic organisms that drift by. They have specialized tentacles that help catch their food. Additionally, they can rely on photosynthesis from their symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, for nourishment.

6. Water Requirements: These corals require stable water conditions with a specific range of salinity, pH, and temperature. The ideal water temperature is between 75°F and 80°F (24°C to 27°C), with salinity between 1.023 and 1.025 specific gravity.

7. Placement in Aquariums: In reef aquariums, it’s important to place Scolymia corals in areas with good water flow but not too strong, as strong currents can damage the coral. They are typically placed on the substrate or low in the tank.

8. Aggression: Scolymia corals are considered "semi-aggressive" because their tentacles can extend and sting nearby corals. It’s important to provide adequate space between them and other corals to avoid damage or competition for space and light.

9. Growth: Scolymia corals are slow-growing, and they can live for many years in the right conditions. Their growth rate can be influenced by factors like water quality, lighting, and feeding.

10. Color Variations: Scolymia corals are highly prized for their vibrant colors, and they come in a variety of patterns and color combinations. Some corals may have multiple colors on the same colony, often in concentric rings or bands.

Fun Fact:

• "UFO Scolymia" may be a nickname given to certain color morphs of Scolymia corals due to their vibrant, almost "alien" or "space-like" appearance under specific lighting conditions, especially in reef aquariums. These colors can appear particularly fluorescent and striking, leading to their "UFO" nickname.