Scientific Name:
Blastomussa wellsi
Classification: LPS
Common Name: Blastomussa Coral
Description:
Relatively large fleshy polyps that cover the skeleton structure when
expanded. Forms small to medium sized colonies when tend to look
something like brain corals when fully expanded. Blastomussa is a
fairly rare coral.
Veron: Colonies are phaceloid, rarely
subplocoid. Corallites are 9-14 millimeters diameter. Septa
are not arranged in cycles and are numerous. They have small blunt
teeth. Mantles, but not tentacles, are extended during the day and
may form a continuous surface obscuring the underlying growth-form.
Color: Mantles are usually dark gray, but may be red or green. Oral
discs are usually green but may be red or dark gray.
Natural Environment:
Veron: Lower reef slopes protected
from wave action, and turbid environments.
Care:
Hardiness: Blastomussa is
fairly hardy when provided with the proper conditions as outlined below.
Lighting: Seems to prefer moderate lighting but will
tolerate dim lighting fairly well. These corals should not be
exposed to intense lighting. If lighting is too intense, they should
be positioned with the polyps facing out rather than up or should be
shaded by another coral or rock.
Water Current: Prefer low to moderate water motion.
Temperature: Does well within a range of at least 77º to 84º
F
Aggressiveness: Appears to be low.
Feeding: Blastomussa is
photosynthetic and does not take any known foods.
Supplements: Maintaining correct calcium and alkalinity levels
is undoubtedly important for skeletal development
Tank Positioning: Best positioning is usually at the bottom of
the tank, in low water flow and in a moderately lit area of the tank. They
may be positioned higher up in the tank in a dimly lit tank or if provided
with some shade from intense lighting.
Propagation:: Blastomussa may be propagated by
division of the skeleton keeping one or more polyps on the severed
piece. The specimens shown here are frags from a larger
colony.
