Plate Coral (Fungia sp.) Care Guide

A unique free-living solitary coral that sits on the sand bed rather than attaching to rock. Disc-shaped with radiating septa and short tentacles that extend at night for feeding.

Overview

Fungia sp. is a species in the family Fungiidae. A unique free-living solitary coral that sits on the sand bed rather than attaching to rock. Disc-shaped with radiating septa and short tentacles that extend at night for feeding. Can slowly move across the substrate. Prefers a sandy area with moderate light.

Taxonomy

Family: Fungiidae
Genus: Fungia
Scientific name: Fungia sp.
Other names: Disk Coral, Fungia
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Fungia species are free-living, disc-shaped large-polyp stony corals of Indo-Pacific reefs that rest unattached on sand as adults. They host symbiotic algae and can capture food, and unusually can move and right themselves if overturned.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 5-20 cm
Lifespan: 10-25 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: weekly + photosynthetic. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Wrasses, Gobies
Avoid with: Burrowing Fish, Urchins

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.