Merulina
Merulina is an SPS coral known for its distinctive form — thin, plate-like fronds that rise and ripple as they grow, creating a wavy, layered silhouette unlike most other corals. Its coloration typically ranges from green to brown, offering a more understated but texturally striking accent rather than a flashy centerpiece. As it matures, the foliose growth expands outward, adding real dimension and visual interest to a reef layout. Because it calls for stable water quality and consistent care, it's generally considered a good fit for aquarists with some prior reef-keeping experience rather than complete beginners.
View Merulina encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!
Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
Br-Choku's 6 Transparency Standards
Our Breeder sellers disclose detailed care specs for all Coral listings. We prioritize Aquacultured/CB specimens, verify WYSIWYG photos, and provide difficulty ratings—avoiding wild-caught.
- Aquacultured
- WYSIWYG Photo
- Difficulty Disclosed
- Frag/Colony
- Care Info Included
- Trade name shown
Browse all 66 breeds
Difficulty
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
About Merulina
Merulina is an SPS coral with a distinctive plate-like, wavy form that adds dimension to a reef tank. Best suited to aquarists with some experience.
7 things to know before welcoming a Merulina
1Prefers strong lighting
As an SPS coral, Merulina generally benefits from strong, stable lighting. Choose a placement in the tank where light reaches consistently. Because sudden changes in light intensity can stress the coral, it's best to acclimate it gradually when first introducing it to a new tank.
2Needs thoughtful water flow
Because of its flat, foliose shape, excessive water flow can damage the delicate edges or distort its form. Moderate, well-distributed flow across the colony helps the fronds spread out cleanly as it grows.
3Growth adds dimension over time
Merulina colonies are generally reported to reach around 10-30cm as adults, and the plate-like fronds spread further as the coral matures, adding real dimension to the tank. Leave enough space around it when placing other corals so it has room to grow into.
4Stable water quality is essential
Like other SPS corals, maintaining stable calcium, alkalinity, and related parameters is fundamental to keeping Merulina healthy. Sudden shifts in water chemistry can lead to bleaching or tissue recession, so regular testing and consistent maintenance are essential.
5Give it space from neighbors
As it spreads outward in a flat, plate-like form, contact with neighboring corals can trigger aggressive responses such as sweeper tentacles. When placing it, leave generous space to account for how much it may expand over time.
6Watch closely after introduction
Right after introduction, polyp extension may be reduced as the coral adjusts to its new environment. Observing its color and tissue condition over the following days to weeks — and reviewing water quality or lighting if anything looks off — supports a smoother, healthier settling-in period.
7Plan for long-term care
With a lifespan generally reported at 10 years or more, it's worth planning your layout and tank size with the long term in mind. Anticipating future growth when deciding on placement helps maintain an attractive reefscape well into the future.
Frequently asked questions about Merulina
- Q.Can beginners keep Merulina coral?
- A.Merulina is generally considered an intermediate-level SPS coral. It's best approached once you're comfortable with water quality management and lighting adjustments. Building up some basic reef-keeping experience before introducing it is recommended.
- Q.What colors does Merulina typically come in?
- A.Green and brown coloration is generally the most common. There is natural variation between individual colonies, and how the color appears can also shift depending on lighting conditions.
- Q.How large does Merulina grow?
- A.As an adult, it generally reaches around 10-30cm in size. Since it grows by spreading its plate-like fronds outward, it's important to leave adequate surrounding space when placing it.
- Q.What tank conditions suit Merulina best?
- A.As an SPS coral, it generally does best with strong, stable lighting, moderate water flow, and consistently stable water parameters. A tank with a routine for regular maintenance and avoidance of abrupt environmental changes is well suited to keeping it.
- Q.Is Merulina coral listed under CITES?
- A.Merulina is not listed under CITES.
Useful tools for Merulina care
Learn more about Merulina in the encyclopedia
View Merulina encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.