Reeflings

Common name: Spine coral

Scientific name: Hydnophora exesa (Pallas, 1766)
Stony coral spine coral (Hydnophora microconos) and crispy crust coral (Merulina scheeri) undersea, Red Sea, Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh, Nabq Bay Spine Coral, Stachel-Pickelkoralle (Hydnophora rigida)
Stony coral spine coral (Hydnophora microconos) close-up undersea, Red Sea, Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh, Nabq Bay
Stony coral spine coral (Hydnophora microconos) undersea, Red Sea, Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh, Nabq Bay
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General information

The Knobby Brain Coral, Hydnophora exesa, is a species of SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral known for its distinctive, knobby projections and vibrant green coloration. It is a part of the Merulinidae family and is often sought after by reef aquarium enthusiasts for its unique appearance and contribution to the biodiversity of a reef tank.

Details

Lighting
150 to 250 PAR
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Care level
Moderate to easy Calcification benefits from stable Ca/Alk levels.
Flow
Moderate Mimics natural reef zones.
Aggression
Semi aggresive May sting nearby corals.

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Cnidarians
    Cnidaria
  3. Class
    Anthozoans
    Anthozoa
  4. Order
    Stony Corals
    Scleractinia
  5. Family
    Merulinidae
    Merulinidae
  6. Genus
    Horn Coral
    Hydnophora
  7. Species
    Spine coral
    Hydnophora exesa (Pallas, 1766)
  8. Synonyms
    Hydnophora contignatio (Forsskål, 1775)
    Hydnophora demidoffi Fischer von Waldheim, 1807
    Hydnophora demidovii Fischer von Waldheim, 1807
    Hydnophora ehrenbergi Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849
    Hydnophora gyrosa Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849
    Hydnophora lobata (Lamarck, 1816)
    Hydnophora maldivensis Gardiner, 1904
    Hydnophora palassii Fischer von Waldheim, 1807
    Hydnophora polygonata (Lamarck, 1816)
    Hydnophora tenella Quelch, 1886
    Hydnophora tenella applanata Umbgrove, 1940
    Hydnophorella contignatio (Forsskål, 1775)
    Hydnophorella exesa (Pallas, 1766)
    Madrepora contignatio Forsskål, 1775
    Madrepora exesa Pallas, 1766
    Monticularia exesa (Pallas, 1766)
    Monticularia folium Lamarck, 1816
    Monticularia meandrina Lamarck, 1816

Care

Hydnophora exesa requires moderate to high lighting and strong water flow to thrive in captivity. It is important to maintain stable water parameters, particularly calcium and alkalinity levels, to support its skeletal growth. This coral can be aggressive, extending its sweeper tentacles to compete for space, so it should be placed with caution in relation to other corals.

Symbiosis

While Hydnophora exesa does not have any specific symbiotic relationships that are notable in the aquarium trade, it does contribute to the overall reef ecosystem by providing structure and shelter for various small invertebrates and fish.

Habitat

In the wild, Hydnophora exesa is typically found in shallow reef environments, often in areas with strong water movement. It is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and the central Pacific Ocean.