| y years, the needs and requirements of many types | | | | which are often found in certain phosphate-removing |
| of corals were largely unknown or commonly | | | | sponges. The Polyp family is very much considered, |
| misunderstood. This resulted in these intriguing life | | | | however, to be very good starter corals. |
| forms being virtually impossible to maintain in | | | | Another popular member of the Polyp family is a |
| aquariums for any prolonged periods of time. | | | | coral known as Palythoa, more commonly referred to |
| However, more recent years have included significant | | | | as Sea Mat or Button Polyps, due to its fast growth |
| advancements in understandings of corals. We are | | | | and appearance. Palythoa has a high reproductive |
| now able to take advantage of the knowledge | | | | rate and looks like many small circles, or buttons, |
| gained through relatively recent research, as well as | | | | placed beside one another. |
| benefit from what hobby saltwater aquarists of | | | | Cladiella, more commonly known as Finger Leather or |
| yesteryear learned through their experiences. | | | | Colt, are among the most beautiful and adaptable |
| A popular tank variety of coral is Actonodiscus, or | | | | corals that we might place in our aquariums. This |
| Mushroom. They do not adapt well to neither bright | | | | colorful and attractive coral responds well to wide |
| lighting nor heavy currents, so they are often quite | | | | ranges of lighting conditions and water currents. |
| well suited for the typical saltwater aquarium. As a | | | | Interestingly and seemingly almost miraculously |
| matter of fact, their optimum conditions include both | | | | appropriately, however, Cladiella grows optimally in |
| fluorescent lighting as well as minimal water | | | | moderate light and current. |
| movement. | | | | A consideration of corals that are appropriate for |
| It should be taken into consideration, however, that | | | | aquariums would not be complete without the |
| the Mushroom coral should not be placed next to | | | | mention of Lobophyllia and Symphyllia. These include |
| certain other types of invertebrates and corals. The | | | | several specific types of corals and a wide variety of |
| Mushroom may have detrimental effects on such life | | | | names of which they are more commonly known. |
| forms, and the relevant issues should be thoroughly | | | | Due to their diverse range of appearances and native |
| researched prior to reaching a conclusion about | | | | locations, more popularly known names include Large |
| adding the Mushroom to our tank. | | | | Flower Coral and Pacific Cactus Coral, among others. |
| Some of the most easily maintained corals and | | | | These corals are quite hardy and adaptable, and |
| therefore most commonly found in home aquariums | | | | therefore make excellent starter choices. Some |
| include members of what is known as the Polyp | | | | specific varieties do of course have certain |
| family. These include Star, Green Star, and Daisy | | | | sensitivities and growth tendencies that are not |
| Polyps. They adapt well to both intense and low level | | | | conducive to sharing a tank with certain other corals. |
| lighting, as well as thrive in a variety of types of | | | | However and generally speaking, Lobophyllia and |
| currents. These interesting life forms are sensitive, | | | | Symphyllia are very adaptable, easy to care for, and |
| however, to iodine and aluminum oxide, both of | | | | are very good starter corals. |