Green Meat Coral - Acanthophyllia deshayesiana - Large

Meat Coral is one of many common names used in describing Acanthophyllia deshayesiana, but this is an apt title, as this species has a thick and fleshy polyp. Their fleshy skin is rather delicate and care must be taken when placing them in the aquarium so the thick, toothy skeleton doesn't cause too much damage to the soft tissue.

When the soft tissue expands, it drapes dramatically over the edges of the skeleton. Color may vary from red-brown to bright green or red, and, in some cases, specimens may be striped or mottled with another color.

Place these corals either low in the tank or firmly anchored midway up in the tank, with low water movement. They do produce food through photosynthesis, but will also except an occasional meaty foods placed near the oral opening. Meat Coral is similar to, and often confused with, Scolymia corals.

(Note: This species was formerly identified as Cynarina deshayesiana but has recently been reclassified by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.)