{"id":3431,"date":"2026-02-16T23:27:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/product\/closed-spiny-brain-hard-coral-symphyllia-sp\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T23:27:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:27:19","slug":"closed-spiny-brain-hard-coral-symphyllia-sp","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/?product=closed-spiny-brain-hard-coral-symphyllia-sp","title":{"rendered":"Closed Spiny Brain Hard Coral Symphyllia Sp"},"content":{"rendered":"

Closed Spiny Brain Hard Coral (Symphyllia sp.)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Also known as Closed Brain Coral, Spiny Brain Coral, or Dented Brain Coral)<\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Closed Spiny Brain Coral (Symphyllia<\/em> sp.) is a beautifully sculpted large-polyp stony (LPS) coral<\/strong>, prized for its deep valleys, fleshy ridges, and intricate brain-like patterns<\/strong>. Colonies are often circular or folded, with colours ranging from green, red, and orange<\/strong> to purple and metallic hues<\/strong>, frequently featuring fluorescent streaks under actinic or blue LED lighting. Symphyllia<\/em> corals are photosynthetic, hardy, and moderately aggressive<\/strong>, making them ideal showpieces for mature reef aquariums.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Native to the Indo-Pacific region<\/strong>, including Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found on lower reef slopes and lagoonal areas<\/strong> where water movement is gentle and light levels are moderate.<\/p>\n

Feeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Closed Spiny Brain Coral is photosynthetic<\/strong>, housing symbiotic zooxanthellae<\/strong> for primary nutrition. However, supplemental feeding enhances colouration, polyp extension, and growth. Offer 1\u20132 feedings per week<\/strong> of:<\/p>\n

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    Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Marine snow or zooplankton blends<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Specialised LPS coral foods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Feed at night or during low light when feeder tentacles are extended.<\/p>\n

    Lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Moderate lighting preferred.<\/strong> Provide bright, indirect light from LED, T5, or metal halide<\/strong> systems.<\/p>\n

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      PAR range: 100\u2013200 \u00b5mol\/m\u00b2\/s<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Acclimate slowly to intense lighting to avoid bleaching.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Blue-spectrum lighting enhances fluorescence and pattern definition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Water Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Low to moderate, indirect flow.<\/strong> Gentle currents prevent detritus buildup and promote gas exchange without irritating or tearing the coral\u2019s fleshy tissue. Avoid strong, direct jets that can cause tissue damage or retraction.<\/p>\n

      Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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        Place on the sandy substrate or lower rockwork<\/strong>, away from sharp edges or coarse gravel.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Ensure the coral rests securely and does not rub against hard surfaces.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Allow 10\u201315 cm (4\u20136 inches)<\/strong> of space around it to prevent stings or tissue contact with other corals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Tank Mates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        Reef safe with caution.<\/strong> Compatible with:<\/p>\n

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          All reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Other LPS and soft corals placed at a safe distance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Avoid:<\/p>\n

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            Aggressive stinging corals (e.g. Galaxea, Hydnophora) nearby<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Large angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip at fleshy tissue<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Aggression<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            Moderately aggressive.<\/strong> Symphyllia<\/em> can extend short sweeper tentacles<\/strong> at night and produce allelopathic chemicals to defend territory. Always maintain spacing from neighbouring corals to avoid damage.<\/p>\n

            Experience Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            Intermediate.<\/strong> While generally hardy, Symphyllia<\/em> requires stable water chemistry and thoughtful placement to maintain tissue health and prevent aggression issues. Suitable for aquarists with basic LPS experience.<\/p>\n

            Water Parameters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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              Temperature:<\/strong> 24\u201327\u00b0C (75\u201381\u00b0F)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              pH:<\/strong> 8.1\u20138.4<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Salinity:<\/strong> 1.024\u20131.026 SG<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Hardness (dKH):<\/strong> 8\u201312<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Calcium:<\/strong> 400\u2013450 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Magnesium:<\/strong> 1250\u20131350 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Nitrate:<\/strong> <10 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Tank Size:<\/strong> Minimum 75 gallons (280L)<\/strong> for stable conditions and adequate spacing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Regular water changes and trace element supplementation support skeletal growth and colour intensity.<\/p>\n

              Reef Compatibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              Reef safe with caution.<\/strong> The Closed Spiny Brain Coral is a spectacular, fleshy LPS coral suited for peaceful mixed reefs. Its bold structure and bright colours make it a visual centrepiece on the sandbed, but careful spacing and moderate flow are essential to prevent damage or aggression.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Closed Spiny Brain Hard Coral (Symphyllia sp.) (Also known as Closed Brain Coral, Spiny Brain Coral, or Dented Brain Coral) Overview The Closed Spiny Brain Coral (Symphyllia sp.) is a beautifully sculpted large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, prized for its deep valleys, fleshy ridges, and intricate brain-like patterns. Colonies are often circular or folded, with colours […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3430,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[74],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3431","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-hard-corals","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"taxable","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple"},"group_of_quantity":0,"min_quantity":0,"max_quantity":"","exclude_order_quantity_value_rules":"no","exclude_category_quantity_rules":"no","combine_variations":"no","exclude_global_add_ons":[],"addons":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product\/3431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_brand&post=3431"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_cat&post=3431"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_tag&post=3431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}