Aussie Red Scolymia

The Aussie Red Scoly, or Scolymia australis, is a stunning large-polyp stony (LPS) coral prized for its vibrant red, orange, and green coloration. Native to Australian reefs, this solitary coral is a favorite among reef keepers due to its hardy nature, slow growth, and striking appearance.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano (20+ gallons) and larger reef tanks.
• Temperament: Peaceful, but requires adequate space as it may extend sweeper tentacles at night.
• Lighting: Moderate to low (PAR 50-150); prefers indirect or diffused light.
• Flow: Low to moderate – too much flow can cause tissue damage.
• Placement: Best placed on the sandbed or lower rockwork, away from aggressive corals.
• Feeding:
  • Carnivorous – benefits from target feeding 1-2 times per week with meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or reef-specific pellet foods.
  • Can obtain nutrients from photosynthesis via its zooxanthellae, but feeding accelerates growth and enhances coloration.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.024-1.026
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
  • Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: 5-10 ppm, PO₄: 0.03-0.07 ppm)
• Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful LPS corals. Avoid aggressive corals with long sweeper tentacles like torch corals, galaxea, or frogspawn.

The Aussie Red Scoly is a fantastic addition to any reef aquarium, offering bold colors and unique shape. With proper care, stable water parameters, and occasional feeding, it can thrive and become a showpiece in your reef tank.