Mussa angulosa

(Pallas, 1766)

Spiny Flower Coral

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Widespread.

Natural Environment: Generally inhabits shallow forereefs to deeper areas where they are often found on slopes in protected waters and most often form colonies, however, single polyp specimens are also frequently seen.

General Husbandry: As for placement, areas that receive low to moderate light and gentle water movement will suffice. Keep in mind this species is not found on soft substrates, therefore elevate properly and keep it away from strong currents and bright direct light.

As for feeding, this photosynthetic stony coral will do well, even in moderate light, without any special feeding. But it will take meaty-type foods, such as fortified brine shrimp, mysis, small pieces of marine fish/shrimp flesh, rotifers, and/or products containing Cyclop-eeze or similar type products when its feeding tentacles are displayed.

And it will sometimes display them if it senses food entering the aquarium during the daytime. To initiate this, have used freeze-dried krill squished between my fingertips in the aquarium water. Feeding, in my opinion, should not occur more than once every couple of weeks, as I've seen this coral, and others similar to this, go through some odd shape changes after feeding, and become abnormal looking thereafter for various timeframes.

This is a moderately hardy, disease resistant stony coral and occasionally seen in the trade.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Scleractinia

Family: Mussidae

Genus: Mussa

FYI: Experience Level: Beginner

Diet: Photosynthetic/Plankton feeder

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: With caution

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderate

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 74 - 83°F (23 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Lighting: PAR 250 - 350+

Water Movement: WM 1 - 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.