An Introduction To Scolymia (Homophyllia australis) Care

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An Introduction To Scolymia (Homophyllia australis) Care​

Guest Writer
6 days ago

While these corals have been reclassified as “Homophyllia australis,” they’re still commonly known as Scolymia in the trade. These vibrant, circular corals are renowned for their show-stopping appearance and relatively easy care requirements, making them popular for Reefers. Most Scolys in the reef hobby usually come from the shallow waters surrounding Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. They grow in areas with lower to moderate water flow and lighting.

Scolys will thrive in your reef, given the right conditions and nutrition. Which, thankfully, is fairly easy to achieve! Scolys aren’t typically very picky when it comes to lighting, but moderate to lower lighting is plenty to keep them happy. Too much lighting can cause bleaching, while too little lighting may inhibit their long-term health. Proper water flow is essential for Scolys, as it prevents detritus buildup on top of their flesh. However, excessive flow can stress them out and damage flesh, so a moderate and indirect water flow is recommended. Scolymia thrive in tank temperatures from 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to keep salinity stable between 1.025 and 1.026 specific gravity. When it comes to alkalinity and calcium, they will do well between 8-12 dKH for alkalinity and 400-500 ppm for calcium. Magnesium should be kept between 1250-1350 ppm. These parameters are all very crucial in promoting both coral and skeletal growth.

For more information, please go to:

An Introduction To Scolymia (Homophyllia australis) Care | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

Let’s talk Scolymia Care! Scolymia, or Scoly for short, are an extremely well-known and popular LPS coral in our hobby! While these corals have been reclassified as “Homophyllia australis…

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[Bri99]

Great write-up. The biggest thing I’d add for anyone keeping their first scolys is not to blast it with light or flow just because it’s an expensive showpiece coral. Mine have always done better on the sandbed or lower rockwork with indirect flow, enough to keep debris from settling but not enough to make the flesh pull tight. I also think feeding helps, but small pieces are the key mysis, finely chopped meaty food, or pellets when the feeding response is out. Stability matters more than chasing perfect numbers with these. If the tissue is staying puffy, not receding from the skeleton, and the mouth looks normal, I usually leave it alone rather than constantly moving it around.