Fungia

Description

Fungia Fralinae (Cycloseris/ Fungia sp.)

The Fungia Fralinae is a striking free-living plate coral admired for its vivid coloration, unique texture, and graceful appearance in reef aquariums. With its circular to oval-shaped skeleton and fleshy extended tissue, this coral creates a bold visual focal point on sandy substrates and open reef areas.

Like other plate corals, Fungia Fralinae is a solitary large polyp stony (LPS) coral that does not attach permanently to rock structures as it matures. Instead, it rests freely on the substrate, where it can inflate and expand during the day to display its full colour and intricate skeletal details.

Its flowing tissue, fluorescent highlights, and feeding response make it a favourite among reef keepers looking for an elegant and interactive coral species.

Why You’ll Love the Fungia Fralinae

• Beautiful free-living plate coral with striking patterns
• Expands into a fleshy, eye-catching display coral
• Excellent centrepiece for sandy areas of reef aquariums
• Hardy and adaptable under stable reef conditions
• Strong feeding response and movement during expansion

Appearance & Behaviour

Fungia Fralinae develops a rounded or slightly oval plate-shaped skeleton with textured ridges radiating outward from the centre. Colouration can vary from shades of green, orange, purple, pink, red, or mixed fluorescent tones depending on lighting and specimen lineage.

During the day, the coral inflates its soft tissue, giving it a larger and more vibrant appearance. At feeding time, tentacles may extend to capture suspended foods from the water column.

Unlike attached corals, Fungia species are free-living and may slowly shift position on the substrate over time.

Tank Requirements & Care

Fungia Fralinae thrives in stable reef aquariums with moderate lighting and gentle to moderate water movement.

Tank Size:
Minimum 100 litres recommended

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24–26°C
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.025
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

Lighting:

• Moderate lighting preferred
• Adapts well to LED, T5, or hybrid systems

Flow:

• Gentle to moderate indirect flow
• Avoid strong direct flow that may damage tissue

Stable water chemistry is essential for long-term health and skeletal growth.

Placement

Fungia Fralinae should be placed:

• Directly on a soft sandy substrate
• In open areas away from aggressive corals
• Where tissue cannot rub against rocks or hard surfaces

Avoid placing plate corals on sharp rockwork, as tissue damage can occur when inflated.

Feeding

Although photosynthetic, Fungia Fralinae benefits greatly from supplemental feeding.

Recommended foods include:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Reef roids or fine coral foods
• Small pieces of marine seafood

Target feeding once or twice weekly may improve growth, colouration, and overall health.

Reef Compatibility

Fungia Fralinae is generally peaceful but requires space from nearby corals.

Compatible with:

• Most reef-safe fish
• Soft corals and SPS corals (with spacing)
• Peaceful LPS corals

Use caution with:

• Aggressive corals with sweeper tentacles
• Fish or invertebrates that nip coral tissue

Allow adequate space around the coral, as it may expand significantly during the day.

Quick Facts

• Common Name: Fungia Fralinae
• Scientific Name: Cycloseris/Fungia sp.
• Coral Type: LPS (Large Polyp Stony)
• Placement: Sand bed
• Lighting Requirement: Moderate
• Flow Requirement: Gentle to Moderate
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Reef Safe: Yes

✨ The Fungia Fralinae is a beautiful and elegant plate coral that adds movement, texture, and vibrant colour to reef aquariums, making it an excellent choice for sand-bed displays and LPS collections.