Atlantic Scoly Care Guide
Atlantic Scoly (Mussa angulosa) is a LPS coral. Care covers 75-175 PAR, low flow, reef parameters and feeding; intermediate level.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Atlantic Scoly (Mussa angulosa) is a LPS coral in the family Mussidae. Caribbean fleshy scoly-like LPS. Brown/green with bright green tentacle tips at night.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mussidae
- Genus: Mussa
- Scientific name: Mussa angulosa
- Common synonyms: Caribbean Scoly, Mussa Scoly
Habitat
In the wild, Mussa angulosa is reported from Caribbean, where it occupies mid to lower reef slopes and lagoons (typically 5-30 m). The species adopts a massive growth form on hard substrate within zooxanthellate reef communities.
Tank requirements
- Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.03 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 5 ppm
- Minimum system age: 3 months
Placement and lighting
- PAR (placement zone): 75-175 PAR
- Water flow: low
Mount this LPS coral on the lower or mid rockwork or on the sand bed (for free-living forms) where light is moderate. Strong direct flow can damage the fleshy tissue; aim for indirect, varied movement.
Feeding
Mussa angulosa hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and derives most of its energy through photosynthesis. Supplemental target feeding accelerates growth and supports colouration; commonly accepted items include mysis, reef-roids. Feed once or twice per week after lights-out, when polyps are extended.
Compatibility
This coral is moderately aggressive toward neighbours. It extends sweeper tentacles capable of stinging adjacent corals, so leave generous spacing (10-20 cm) between colonies. Reef-safe with most fish and invertebrates.
Care notes
Difficulty level: intermediate. Reported skeletal growth in well-tuned reef tanks is approximately 0.05-0.2 cm/month. Propagation by fragmentation is straightforward for massive colonies — separate branches or polyps with a bone cutter, glue to plug, allow 1-2 weeks for healing. Maintain stable alkalinity (avoid swings above ±0.5 dKH per day) to preserve tissue health.
Atlantic Scoly (Mussa angulosa) Propagation Guide
Overview
The Atlantic Scoly is the Caribbean fleshy large-polyp stony coral Mussa angulosa, in the family Mussidae. It is brown or green with bright green tentacle tips that emerge at night, and is kept as a scoly-like centerpiece. Its very fleshy polyps make it sensitive to rough handling during any propagation.
Reproductive Mode
Mussa angulosa is treated conservatively in propagation. Like other large solitary or few-polyp fleshy LPS, it does not divide cleanly with a saw without high risk to the tissue, so aquarists favor cautious trimming or sexual reproduction over aggressive cutting. Keeping the existing colony healthy is the primary strategy.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
- Keep the coral submerged and the fleshy tissue protected throughout any handling.
- Avoid cutting straight through fleshy polyp tissue, which is prone to damage and infection.
- If dividing is attempted, trim through bare skeleton between corallites rather than through flesh.
- Use a band saw for a clean cut and minimize the exposed wound area.
- Mount the divisions in low flow and moderate light and let the cut tissue recede and heal before normal placement.
Because the polyps are large and fleshy, the lower-risk choice is usually to grow the colony out rather than to cut it.
Conditions for Propagation
Fleshy scoly-type LPS recover best under moderate lighting, since strong light can bleach them. Moderate, indirect flow keeps detritus off the tissue without abrading it. Spot feeding meaty foods such as mysis a couple of times a week supports recovery and color.
Sexual Reproduction
Reef LPS in the family Mussidae reproduce sexually in the wild, but larval rearing is a specialized undertaking rather than a routine aquarium technique. It is mentioned here as the non-destructive route that does not jeopardize the parent coral; detailed gamete data for this species is not documented in the consulted sources.
Common Challenges
The main challenge is the thick, fleshy tissue: cuts heal slowly and damaged flesh can become infected. With few polyps to spare, a failed division can cost the whole piece, so conservative husbandry is preferred over propagation.