Care
Maze Coral, also sometimes known as Brain Coral or Closed Brain Coral, is an exquisite large polyp stony (LPS) coral that is known from a diverse array of reef habitats, but is especially abundant on reef flats and back reefs. Like many corals,
Platygyra show considerable morphological variation between and within species. Colonies can be massive and the common name reflects the maze-like structure visible on the surface, formed by the meandroid corallites (walls and valleys). The absence of protruding paliform lobes above the corallite walls distinguishes these corals from
Goniastrea spp, which are only weakly meandroid. Another similar genus,
Leptoria, is much less sinuous in comparison, and also tends to have wider valleys with rougher septal teeth and rougher/heaver corallite walls. Maze Corals are fairly hardy aquarium residents, but be aware that colonies can spread to quite a size, so a spacious tank is required. Colonies may be dome shaped or flattened, and are obtainable in brown, green, grey, or purple, usually with contrasting coloured valleys which often fluoresce under actinic lighting. These corals will thrive in the aquarium with fairly bright light and moderate current. The current should be sufficient enough to keep any detritus from settling on top of the coral, but not so vigorous as to cause it tissue damage from being pushed against its own sharp skeleton or prevent it from expanding its polyps at night time (which is when it catches planktonic particles). Incidentally, these corals are zooxanthellate and obtain most of their nourishment from the symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates within their tissues. Maze Corals are considered reasonably aggressive species: they produce long, thin sweeper tentacles tipped with potent nematocysts - which are especially localised near adjacent corals - so careful positioning is vital in order that they do not damage their neighbours. Sweeper tentacles may be in excess of 9cm (3.5"), some fifteen times as long as regular tentacles. Maze Corals do produce a significant amount of mucus, so efficient filtration and protein skimming are a must. As with other corals that produce such prolific mucus, flush any new specimens with saltwater after transporting them home, to avoid fouling the aquarium water. Unfortunately, compared to similar genera, Maze Coral does seem to be rather prone to bleaching and necrotic tissue loss in response to stress (e.g. from rough handling, chemical warfare from more aggressive species etc) so handle with care by the skeleton only, and observe carefully. Always try to ensure you purchase aquacultured specimens wherever possible, to take pressure off the reefs.
Feeding
This species is zooxanthellate, but it should be offered supplemental feeding at night time with small meaty food items such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, baby brineshrimp (
Artemia nauplii), finely shaved clam etc. When supplementing its diet with these meaty items, do keep a close eye on water quality.
Propagation
Platygyra spp. are hermaphroditic, and can release eggs and sperm for external fertilisation in the water column. Spawning usually occurs annually, sometimes biannually, and in some areas may be timed to coincide with the monsoon. Under favourable conditions in the aquarium,
Platygyra spp. are more likely to reproduce asexually by budding, with the polyps dividing themselves to form new polyps. Alternatively, healthy acclimatised specimens can be propagated by cutting a good sized group of corallites (around 15-20 is best) from the colony using a wet diamond-blade band saw. Cut from the bottom and from an area at the side where the bone is less dense. Flush the pieces well before returning to the aquarium, and ensure the frag is in an area of good water flow in order to help it heal.
