© bondolo / CC BY 3.0Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia)
The Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia) is one of the most striking large-polyp stony (LPS) corals, with a fleshy, inflated body that spreads out like a blooming flower in vivid colors. It's typically kept resting on the sand bed or tucked among rockwork rather than mounted, and it sways gently with the current. One of its most rewarding traits is how readily it responds to feeding — watching it extend its mouth to take in food is a highlight for many keepers. Alongside photosynthesis, regular feeding is essential to its care. With attentive husbandry, it can live for over a decade, making it a coral worth building a long-term relationship with. It's generally considered suited to intermediate keepers who have some grounding in water quality and flow management.
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Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia) key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 10+ years
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- Diet
- Photosynthesis + regular feeding essential
- Lighting
- Low to moderate lighting (100-200 PAR) suits it. The more it inflates during the day the healthier it is; if it stays small, review the light level.
- Flow & Placement
- Place it directly on the sand in gentle flow. Strong current damages the inflated tissue, so choose a calm spot out of direct pump flow.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Keep the water stable at 24-27C. Since it sits alone on the sand, ensure gentle circulation so the water near the bottom does not stagnate.
- Placement
- Place directly on sand — do not attach to rock
- Feeding
- Feed mysis shrimp directly to mouth
- Notes
- Delicate when inflated — do not touch
About Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia)
Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia) is a flower-like LPS coral prized for its fleshy, colorful body and strong feeding response. An intermediate-level species with over a decade of potential lifespan.
7 things to know before welcoming a Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia)
1Keep it on the sand bed
Open Brain Coral isn't attached to rock — it's typically rested on the sand bed or nestled among live rock. Arrange your layout carefully so it doesn't get rolled around by water flow.
2Provide gentle water flow
Excessive flow can damage the fleshy tissue or cause the coral to stay contracted. Aim for indirect, gentle currents that let the polyps fully expand.
3Responds well to feeding
This coral is known for its strong feeding response, often opening its mouth wide when food is nearby. Regular feeding plays a key role in keeping it healthy.
4Needs both light and feeding
Beyond photosynthesis from its symbiotic algae, this coral also needs regular direct feeding. Balancing both — not relying on just one — is key to long-term success.
5Keep distance from other corals
Its tentacles extend considerably, and contact with neighboring corals can cause stinging conflicts. Give it plenty of open space when placing it in your tank.
6Suited to intermediate keepers
This coral is generally considered an intermediate-level species. Having some experience managing water quality and flow conditions helps ensure stable, long-term care.
7Listed in CITES Appendix II
Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia) is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.
Frequently asked questions about Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia)
- Q.Can beginners keep an Open Brain Coral?
- A.This coral is generally considered suited to intermediate keepers. Some prior experience with water quality and flow management will help you care for it confidently.
- Q.How long can it live in an aquarium?
- A.With proper care, it can live for over a decade. Maintaining both photosynthesis (via lighting) and regular feeding is key to supporting it long-term.
- Q.Is feeding really necessary?
- A.Yes, regular feeding is essential alongside photosynthesis. It responds very well to food, and you can often watch it open its mouth to capture it.
- Q.Can it be kept near other corals?
- A.Since its tentacles extend quite far, it's important to keep enough distance from neighboring corals to avoid contact. Allow extra space when planning your layout.
- Q.Are there legal procedures required to bring one home?
- A.Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia) is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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