Description
Coral Sea Plate Short Tentacle Hard Coral (Cycloseris sp.)
(Also known as Short Tentacle Plate Coral, Button Plate Coral, or Disk Coral)
Overview
The Coral Sea Short Tentacle Plate Coral (Cycloseris sp.) is a vibrant and compact large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, closely related to Fungia and Heliofungia species. Unlike its long-tentacled relatives, Cycloseris features short, uniform tentacles covering a flat, circular disk-shaped skeleton, giving it a textured, button-like appearance. Available in a wide range of colours — from fluorescent green, orange, and pink to purple, red, or multi-coloured combinations — this coral makes a beautiful addition to the sandbed of any reef aquarium. Hardy and photosynthetic, Cycloseris is an ideal choice for aquarists seeking a resilient, free-living LPS coral with minimal aggression.
Origin
Native to the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Indonesia, and Tonga. Commonly found on sandy lagoon floors and lower reef slopes, often free-living or lightly attached to rubble in calm, moderately lit environments.
Feeding
The Short Tentacle Plate Coral is photosynthetic, containing zooxanthellae that provide most of its energy through photosynthesis. However, supplemental feeding promotes faster growth, brighter colour, and improved recovery from damage. Feed 1–2 times per week with:
-
Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood
-
Marine snow or LPS coral foods
-
Microplankton or powdered coral foods for additional nutrition
Target feeding at night or when tentacles are extended is most effective.
Lighting
Moderate lighting. Thrives under LED, T5, or metal halide lighting with bright but indirect illumination.
-
PAR range: 100–200 µmol/m²/s
-
Gradually acclimate to stronger lighting to prevent bleaching.
-
Blue-spectrum lighting enhances fluorescence and depth of colour.
Water Flow
Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, variable current helps keep the coral clean and oxygenated while allowing full polyp expansion. Avoid strong, direct flow, which can lift or flip the coral from the substrate.
Placement
-
Place directly on fine sandy substrate or smooth flat rock at the bottom of the aquarium.
-
Avoid sharp rock edges or coarse gravel, as these can tear the coral’s soft tissue.
-
Allow 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of space from neighbouring corals to prevent accidental contact or stings.
-
Cycloseris is free-living and may occasionally move slightly with flow or fish activity — ensure it cannot be trapped or overturned.
Tank Mates
Peaceful and reef safe. Compatible with:
-
All reef-safe fish (gobies, blennies, clownfish, tangs, etc.)
-
Peaceful invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs
-
Other LPS and soft corals placed at a safe distance
Avoid:
-
Aggressive or stinging corals (e.g., Galaxea, Euphyllia, Hydnophora) nearby
-
Butterflyfish or large angelfish that may nip at fleshy tissue
-
Sand-sifting gobies or burrowing species that may bury the coral
Aggression
Peaceful. Cycloseris does not possess long sweeper tentacles and rarely stings neighbouring corals. However, it can be damaged by contact with aggressive species or sharp rockwork.
Experience Level
Beginner to intermediate. Cycloseris is hardy, adaptable, and well-suited for a wide range of reef aquariums, provided water parameters remain stable. Excellent for aquarists seeking a colourful, low-maintenance plate coral.
Water Parameters
-
Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
-
pH: 8.1–8.4
-
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
-
Hardness (dKH): 8–12
-
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
-
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
-
Nitrate: <10 ppm
-
Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) recommended for stability and open sand space
Regular water changes and stable alkalinity support skeletal health and strong polyp expansion.
Reef Compatibility
Fully reef safe. The Coral Sea Short Tentacle Plate Coral is a peaceful and hardy LPS species that adds vivid colour and smooth, symmetrical form to reef aquariums. Perfect for sandbed displays or open areas of the reef floor, it thrives under moderate light and gentle current, bringing movement and brilliance to any setup.
