Blasto Merleti care guide
Blasto Merleti (Blastomussa merleti) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 50-125, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Overview
Blastomussa merleti is a smaller-polyp Blastomussa with dense colonial growth. Galaxy and rainbow morphs are particularly popular, and the species is generally regarded as a hardy beginner LPS.
Taxonomy
- Family: Plesiastreidae
- Genus: Blastomussa
- Scientific name: Blastomussa merleti
- Common synonyms: Mini Blasto, Merleti Blasto
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific, typically on protected slopes and overhangs at moderate depth where light is filtered and flow is gentle.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity (SG): 1.024-1.026
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.05 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 10 ppm
Placement and lighting
- Lighting (PAR): 50-125 PAR
- Flow: low
- Recommended tank age: 3 months
- Growth rate: 0.2-0.4 cm/mo
Place low to mid in the aquarium on a sandbed or rocky shelf. Low to moderate light and gentle flow encourage full polyp inflation; under strong light, polyps may remain contracted.
Feeding
Photosynthetic with optional spot-feeding of mysis or reef-roids once a week. The small mouths take small particles delivered close to the polyp surface.
Compatibility
Passive and non-stinging. Compatible with most other corals in a mixed reef. Reef-safe with shrimp and fish.
Care notes
Sensitive to detritus accumulation; periodic gentle blowing with a turkey baster keeps the colony clean and helps polyps inflate fully.