Australian Brain Coral, Versiopora Pineapple

The Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral is uncommon in its beauty but also as a representative of one of just two species in the genus Plesiastrea. The Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral shares a striking resemblance, as well as shared common names with its popular cousins - corals in the genus Favia. Though often confused, it is clear that this magnificent color morph is sure to make a unique addition for the distinguishing coral collector.

The Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral boasts small, tightly-packed corallites beaming with an emerald glow. Combined with its typically encrusting growth habit, the Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral adds amazing color and texture to the reef aquarium. The Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral makes an excellent living carpet that enhances any reef aquascape.

The Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral can live under a variety of lighting conditions provided by compact fluorescent, VHO, T-5's as well as the more intense metal halides. Keep in mind that placement of the Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral is dictated by your particular light source. Also, light intensity will influence the growth habit of your Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral. Under more intense light conditions, the Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral will tend to take on a rounded, compact habit while sprawling and more plate-like under lower intensity light.

Similar to Favia corals, the Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral expand their sweeper tentacles at night well beyond the base. It is important to leave space between them and neighbors in the reef aquarium. For continued good health, the Versiopora Pineapple Brain Coral will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, iodine, magnesium and trace elements. It will also benefit from additional food fed weekly in the form of chopped meaty items, micro-plankton or baby brine or mysis shrimp.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/4" to 2-1/4" ; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large; 3-1/2" to 5-1/4"; Extra Large: 5" to 5-1/2"; Extra Extra Large 5" to 6"