Welsophyllia

Overview:

The Welsophyllia (often called the Open Brain Coral or Trachyphyllia) is the ultimate “showpiece” of the aquarium floor. While technically grouped under Trachyphyllia geoffroyi in modern taxonomy, the “Welsophyllia” name is still used by hobbyists to describe specimens with a more rounded, lobed, and complex “brain” shape. These corals are famous for their massive, fleshy expansion—during the day, a healthy “Welsi” can swell to three times the size of its skeleton, looking like a vibrant, pulsating cushion of neon colors.

Coloration: Teal base color splattered with maroon and purple

Size: Around 5 inches, but can grow to over 8 inches in diameter.

Lighting: Low to Moderate (75–125 PAR; they live in deeper water or turbid lagoons naturally and will bleach if placed under high-intensity LEDs).

Water flow: Low (gentle flow is vital; strong flow will cause the heavy flesh to rub against the sharp skeleton, leading to fatal tissue tears).

Feeding: Highly Recommended; they have massive mouths and a huge appetite. Feed them larger meaty chunks (krill, mysis, or silversides) once a week. Watching them “fold” their body around a piece of food is a highlight for many reefers.

Aggressiveness: Peaceful to Semi-aggressive (they don’t have long sweepers, but their large size means they can easily “smother” neighbors just by expanding).

Care Level: Easy to Moderate (their biggest requirement is a soft sand bed and stable nutrients).