Description
Coral Sea Elephant Eye Hard Coral (Scolymia sp.)
(Also known as Scoly Coral, Donut Coral, or Button Coral)
Overview
The Coral Sea Elephant Eye Coral (Scolymia sp.) is a highly prized large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, known for its bold, circular form and dazzling colours. Each coral consists of a single, fleshy polyp that expands over a cup-shaped skeleton, displaying vibrant hues of red, green, orange, purple, and metallic blue, often in striking concentric patterns or marbled blends. Under actinic or blue LED lighting, Scolymia exhibits intense fluorescence, making it one of the most stunning centerpiece corals in reef aquariums. Hardy and peaceful, it thrives under gentle conditions and stable water parameters.
Origin
Native to the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Indonesia, and Tonga. Typically found in shallow lagoons and reef slopes, resting on sandy or rubble substrates where water movement is calm to moderate.
Feeding
The Elephant Eye Coral is photosynthetic, hosting zooxanthellae that provide most of its energy needs. However, regular feeding enhances colouration, growth, and polyp inflation. Offer 1–2 feedings per week of:
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Mysis shrimp or finely chopped marine meat
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Marine snow or coral plankton blends
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Specialized LPS coral foods
Feed during the evening or when tentacles are visible. Scolymia responds quickly to food stimuli and will fold inward to capture prey.
Lighting
Low to moderate lighting. Provide bright, indirect illumination from LED, T5, or metal halide lighting.
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PAR range: 75–150 µmol/m²/s
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Too much light can cause tissue recession or bleaching; avoid placing directly under intense lighting.
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Blue-spectrum lighting enhances fluorescence and depth of colour.
Water Flow
Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle movement keeps the coral clean and supplies oxygen without damaging its soft tissue. Excessive current can cause retraction or tissue damage.
Placement
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Best placed on sandy substrate or smooth, flat rock in the lower regions of the aquarium.
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Avoid sharp rock edges that may tear the coral’s soft tissue.
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Provide 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of space from other corals to prevent aggression or accidental contact.
Tank Mates
Peaceful and reef safe. Compatible with:
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All reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)
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Invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs
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Other LPS and soft corals with adequate spacing
Avoid:
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Aggressive stinging corals (e.g., Galaxea, Euphyllia, Hydnophora)
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Butterflyfish, large angelfish, and puffers that may nip its tissue
Aggression
Mildly aggressive. Scolymia may extend short sweeper tentacles at night, but generally remains peaceful. It can be damaged by nearby aggressive corals, so ensure adequate spacing.
Experience Level
Beginner to intermediate. A hardy, adaptable LPS coral that does well under moderate lighting and gentle flow. Suitable for aquarists of all experience levels who maintain stable water parameters.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
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Hardness (dKH): 8–12
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Calcium: 400–450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
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Nitrate: <10 ppm
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Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) for long-term stability and space
Maintain stable calcium and alkalinity for strong skeletal development and vibrant tissue health.
Reef Compatibility
Fully reef safe. The Coral Sea Elephant Eye Coral is a peaceful, hardy, and visually striking coral that serves as a perfect centrepiece for LPS or mixed reef aquariums. Its vivid patterns, smooth texture, and elegant expansion under soft blue light make it one of the most desirable collector corals available.