Slipper Coral care guide
Slipper Coral (Polyphyllia talpina) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 75-175, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Overview
The Slipper Coral (Polyphyllia talpina) is an elongated free-living LPS in the family Fungiidae. The skeleton is shaped like a slipper and is covered by dense short tentacles, with multiple mouths distributed along a central axis.
Taxonomy
- Family: Fungiidae
- Genus: Polyphyllia
- Scientific name: Polyphyllia talpina
- Common synonyms: Tongue Coral, Polyphyllia
Habitat
Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific, where colonies rest on soft sediment in lagoonal and back-reef habitats at moderate depth. Unlike most LPS, it is free-living and not attached to the reef rock.
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): 0.03 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 5 ppm
Placement and lighting
- Lighting (PAR): 75-175 PAR
- Flow: low
- Recommended tank age: 3 months
- Growth rate: 0.1-0.3 cm/mo
Place directly on a sandy substrate in the lower third of the aquarium. Moderate light and gentle flow prevent tissue damage; avoid mounting on rock, which can lead to tissue tearing as the coral expands.
Feeding
Photosynthetic but accepts and benefits from spot-feeding with mysis or reef-roids weekly. The multiple mouths along the body each take small particles delivered directly with a pipette.
Compatibility
Passive and non-stinging. Suitable for mixed reef tanks alongside non-aggressive corals; keep clear of aggressive Euphylliidae and stinging nem-like anemones. Reef-safe with shrimp and fish.
Care notes
Provide a clear sandbed footprint and check periodically for grains lodged under the tissue. Sudden tissue retraction can indicate poor water quality or contact with neighbouring stinging corals.