Molten Core Platygyra (86)

Molten Core Platygyra Coral Care | The Happy Reef

Molten Core Platygyra is a striking LPS brain coral with the winding ridges and valleys that give Platygyra its distinctive maze-like appearance. The Molten Core morph is selected for its intense contrasting colouration, which follows the coral's twisting growth pattern and becomes particularly striking under blue-spectrum reef lighting.

Platygyra are commonly called Maze Brain Corals. Unlike brain corals formed from clearly separated round polyps, neighbouring corallites in Platygyra share long, meandering valleys, producing the characteristic labyrinth pattern.

Scientific Name: Platygyra sp. (exact species cannot reliably be determined from the trade name alone)

PAR: 75?175

Flow: Moderate. Aim for varied, indirect water movement that keeps the valleys free from settled debris without continuously blasting the fleshy tissue.

Placement: Low Third to Mid Third

Feeding: Beneficial but not essential. Platygyra are photosynthetic but extend feeding tentacles, particularly after dark, and can capture small meaty foods and suitable coral foods. Occasional target feeding can support growth.

Care Notes: Leave considerably more room around a Platygyra than its daytime appearance might suggest. Maze Brain Corals can produce long sweeper tentacles after dark and are aggressive towards neighbouring corals. Stable alkalinity, calcium and magnesium will support continued skeletal growth.