Common name: Disc coral

Scientific name: Turbinaria mesenterina (Lamarck, 1816)
Turbinaria mesenterinaColorful, picturesque coral reef at the bottom of tropical sea, yellow salad coral (Turbinaria mesenterina), underwater landscape
Salatkoralle (Turbinaria mesenterina)Macro on Yellow polyps turbunaria LPS coral - Turbinaria mesenterina

General information

Turbinaria mesenterina, commonly known as Yellow Scroll Coral, is a species of coral that is appreciated for its unique growth form and coloration in reef aquariums. This coral belongs to the family Dendrophylliidae and is characterized by its scroll-like or cup-shaped colonies that can add a distinctive structure to any reef setup. The coloration of Yellow Scroll Coral ranges from yellow to brown, with the possibility of green hues under certain lighting conditions.

Details

Lighting
50 to 150 PAR
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Care level
Moderate to easy Grows in unique cup shapes.
Flow
Moderate Prefers moderate flow for feeding.
Aggression
Peaceful

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Cnidarians
    Cnidaria
  3. Class
    Anthozoans
    Anthozoa
  4. Order
    Stony Corals
    Scleractinia
  5. Family
    Dendrophylliidae
    Dendrophylliidae
  6. Genus
    Turbinaria
    Turbinaria
  7. Species
    Disc coral
    Turbinaria mesenterina (Lamarck, 1816)
  8. Synonyms
    Explanaria mesenterina Lamarck, 1816
    Gemmipora mesenterina (Lamarck, 1816)
    Turbinaria crassa Bernard, 1896
    Turbinaria speciosa Bernard, 1896
    Turbinaria tubifera Bernard, 1896
    Turbinaria venusta Bernard, 1896

Care

Yellow Scroll Coral is considered a moderately difficult species to keep, requiring stable water conditions and moderate to high lighting to thrive. It is a photosynthetic coral, meaning it relies heavily on light for its energy, but it also benefits from occasional feeding of planktonic foods. Adequate water flow is essential to prevent detritus from settling on its surface, which can lead to tissue necrosis.

Symbiosis

While not known for hosting fish or invertebrates, Yellow Scroll Coral may have a symbiotic relationship with certain types of zooxanthellae, which are symbiotic algae that live within its tissues. These algae provide the coral with nutrients through photosynthesis, while the coral provides a protected environment and the compounds necessary for the algae's photosynthesis.

Habitat

Turbinaria mesenterina is found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically in shallow reef environments. It prefers areas with strong water movement and ample lighting, which are conditions that can be replicated in a home aquarium for optimal health and growth.