Common name: Scolymia australis

General information

Scolymia australis, commonly known as the Australis Button Coral, Doughnut Coral, or Artichoke Coral, is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral that is highly prized in the reefkeeping hobby for its vibrant colors and unique growth form. It is a solitary coral, meaning each polyp is an individual organism, and it can exhibit a variety of colors, including green, red, orange, and more.

This species is often confused with its close relative, the Scolymia vitiensis, but can be distinguished by its flatter shape and the presence of concentric growth rings.

Care

Scolymia australis requires moderate to low lighting conditions and low to moderate water flow within the aquarium. It is a photosynthetic coral that relies on the symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, living within its tissues for nutrition. However, it also benefits from supplemental feedings of meaty foods like mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood.

Stable water parameters are crucial for the health of this coral, and it should be placed on the bottom to middle parts of the reef, where it can extend its fleshy tissue without being disturbed by high flow.

Symbiosis

While not known for hosting fish or invertebrates, Scolymia australis does engage in a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, which provide the coral with the majority of its nutritional needs through photosynthesis.

Habitat

Scolymia australis is found in the warm waters of the Western Atlantic, from the Caribbean to the northern coast of South America. It typically resides on reef slopes and in lagoons, often nestled within crevices or on flat substrates where sedimentation is low.