Symphyllia Valenciennesii Care Guide
Symphyllia Valenciennesii (Symphyllia valenciennesii) is a LPS coral. Care covers 75-175 PAR, medium flow, reef parameters and feeding; advanced level.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Symphyllia Valenciennesii (Symphyllia valenciennesii) is a LPS coral in the family Lobophylliidae. Large reef-building Symphyllia with bold metallic green or rainbow valley patterns.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lobophylliidae
- Genus: Symphyllia
- Scientific name: Symphyllia valenciennesii
- Common synonyms: Wilsoni-like Symphyllia
Habitat
In the wild, Symphyllia valenciennesii is reported from Australia, 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: 6 months
Placement and lighting
- PAR (placement zone): 75-175 PAR
- Water flow: medium
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
Symphyllia valenciennesii 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, amino-acids. 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: advanced. 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.
Symphyllia valenciennesii Propagation Guide
Overview
Symphyllia valenciennesii is a massive, colonial closed-brain coral in the family Lobophylliidae. Like other meandroid brain corals, it builds a single stony skeleton across which many polyps share continuous tissue and valley structures. Because the colony is one connected mass rather than a cluster of separable heads, propagation in aquaria relies on physically dividing the skeleton, while in the wild the species also reproduces sexually.
Reproductive Mode
The colony grows by adding new polyps and extending its valleys over the skeleton, a form of asexual budding that enlarges a single genetic individual. Brain corals of this group are also sexual reproducers that release gametes into the water column for external fertilisation. Both routes are relevant: the asexual route is what hobbyists exploit when fragging, and the sexual route is how new genotypes arise on the reef.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
- Choose a healthy, fully extended colony and cut along a low valley wall so each piece retains intact polyps and corallites.
- Divide the stony skeleton with a band saw or a rotary cutting tool; massive brain skeletons are too thick for simple bone cutters.
- Rinse fragments in clean saltwater to clear skeletal dust, then mount each piece skeleton-down on a plug or rock.
- Place fragments in low-to-moderate flow and shaded light during recovery; tissue heals back over the cut edge across several weeks.
Conditions for Propagation
- Stable alkalinity, calcium and magnesium so the cut skeleton can re-calcify.
- Gentle flow over fresh cuts to remove debris without tearing recovering tissue.
- Reduced light immediately after cutting, returning to normal as the edge seals.
- Low dissolved nutrients and good water quality to limit algae on exposed skeleton.
Sexual Reproduction
On the reef, brain corals of this group spawn by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilisation and larval development occur externally before larvae settle and found new colonies. Captive spawning of large brain corals is uncommon and is not a practical home-propagation method.
Common Challenges
Cutting a massive skeleton is stressful: exposed edges can be invaded by algae or develop tissue recession if flow and water quality are poor. Recovery is slow, and a botched cut that crushes polyps rather than slicing cleanly reduces survival. Work quickly, keep cuts clean, and minimise air exposure.