Doughnut Coral (LPS) (Parascolymia vitiensis)
| Doughnut Coral (LPS) Parascolymia vitiensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Doughnut Coral (LPS) |
| Name Lat. | Parascolymia vitiensis |
| Synonym | Scolymia vitiensis |
| Family | Brain Corals |
| Family lat. | Lobophylliidae |
| Order | Stony Corals |
| Order lat. | Scleractinia |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
| Diet | Autotrophic, planktivore |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Hardness | 8-12 °KH |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Current | Moderate - weak |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Solitary |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | < 10 cm |
| Temperature | 24-27 °C |
| Salinity | 33-36 ‰ |
| Aquarium | 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | < 3.9" |
| Temperature | 75-81 °F |
| Salinity | 1.020-1.025 sg |
| Aquarium | 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Parascolymia vitiensis belongs to the group of LPS (Large Polyp Scleractinia). These solitary living corals are widespread from Madagascar over the Indo-Pacific to the Central Pacific. There they live in shaded and current protected reef areas mostly in 12-15 m depth.
Maintenance
They should be positioned in a low light intensity location, such as on the bottom or under overhangs and with only moderate, alternating flow
It is recommended that live stones be used to set up the aquarium. The bacteria living in the porous stones act as a biological filter. Only substrates rich in lime and free of heavy metals should be used as substrate. Filters, skimmers and heaters are necessary to ensure water quality, as well as pumps to simulate tides, swells and bottom currents. Lighting must match the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals
| Salinity: 33-36 ‰ | pH value: 8.1-8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness: 8-10 °KH | Nitrate content: 2-8 mg/l |
| calcium content: 420-450 mg/l | Nitrite content: 0.0-0.05 mg/l |
| Magnesium content: 1.250-1.350 mg/l | phosphate content: 0.01-0.1 mg/l |
Regular addition of trace elements, especially strontium, is recommended. For salinity, an average value should be aimed for, which may only vary slightly by +/- 0.5 ‰. Ammonia and ammonium must not be measurable. Special attention shall be paid to consistently good water quality and water values.
Diet
Zooxanthellae, which are unicellular symbiotic algae, live in their tissues and provide them with assimilation products of their photosynthesis (light intensity). The zooxanthellae promote growth and provide additional food to the plankton and small particles that are collected in large quantities from the water current. Thus, in addition to the food produced in the aquarium during fish feeding (mysis, krill, Artemia, etc.), commercial supplementary food in the form of phyto- and zooplankton should be offered regularly
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should not be kept with fish that regard their polyps as food (e.g. angelfish or butterflyfish). They are well tolerated with other corals, but sufficient distance must be kept from cnidarians.
Reproduction and breeding
Sexual reproduction is not known. In the aquarium they can be propagated by fragmentation. In this process fragments are fixed in the reef structure, e.g. with a special two-component coral glue (epoxy).
Species protection
Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.
Important
It is a slow-growing coral that requires sufficient space, as it can inflate up to twice its size. According to their origin, they come in different colors, from green to orange. High light intensity and a strong, direct current is not well tolerated.
A calcium reactor and magnesium metering pump are recommended for the necessary steady supply of calcium carbonate and magnesium. Excessive temperature, insufficient lighting or current, and sudden change in water values can lead to tissue decay (RTN - rapid tissue necrosis). When purchasing, look for pressure marks or other tissue damage. Newly introduced animals must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium
If different species are kept together, make sure that fish and invertebrates match each other in terms of water quality and temperature requirements as well as their social behavior, and that the setup meets the ecological needs of all species kept together. Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Werner Winter
Source: FOSSÁ & NILSEN (1995): Korallenriff-Aquarium Bd. 4, Birgit Schmettkamp Verlag; ENGELMANN & LANGE (2011): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Verlag Harri Deutsch