Plate Corals
LPS

Plate Coral Care Guide and Listings

Fungia, Cycloseris, Diaseris spp.

💧Low to Moderate Flow
☀️Low to Moderate Light
⭐Beginner to Intermediate Difficulty
Plate Coral is a fascinating large polyp stony (LPS) coral admired for its vibrant colors and unusual behavior. These corals are disc-shaped, typically solitary, and free-living—resting on sandbeds or flat surfaces rather than attaching to rock like most other corals. Available in vivid shades of orange, green, pink, and purple, they feature fleshy, radiating tentacles that extend from a central mouth. One of their most unique traits is mobility: Plate Corals can slowly move across the substrate and even inflate themselves to flip upright if turned over. With their bold colors, distinctive shape, and unique characteristic, they add both interest and personality to your reef’s lower zones.

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCnidaria
ClassAnthozoa
OrderScleractinia
FamilyFungiidae
GenusFungia, Cycloseris, Diaseris
SpeciesMultiple, including:
  • Cycloseris tenuis
  • Cycloseris hexagonalis
  • Fungia repanda
  • Fungia fungites
  • Fungia fungites

'Plate Coral' is a general term that covers several free-living LPS corals, most commonly from the Fungia, Cycloseris, and Diaseris genera.

Plate Coral Care Tips

Lighting
Low to Moderate
Low
Moderate
High
Flow
Low to Moderate
Low
Moderate
High
Difficulty
Beginner to Intermediate
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

Plate Coral FAQs

Can Plate Corals move?

Yes, Plate Corals can slowly move by inflating and contracting their tissue. This allows them to right themselves if flipped or shift slightly to find better conditions.

Where should I place Plate Coral in my tank?

Place Plate Corals on the sand bed or a rubble zone with plenty of space around them. Avoid sharp substrate and ensure they're not shaded by rockwork or aggressive neighbors.

Do Plate Corals need feeding?

While they derive some nutrition from photosynthesis, Plate Corals benefit from occasional feedings of meaty foods like mysis shrimp or reef-appropriate pellets. Feeding can enhance growth and coloration.

How to Choose a Healthy Plate Coral

  • Tissue Health:

    Look for full, inflated tissue with no signs of recession, tears, or exposed skeleton. A healthy Plate Coral will appear plump and responsive to tank motion or light touch.

  • Coloration:

    Choose specimens with vibrant, saturated colors and even pigmentation. Dull or faded colors may indicate stress or poor lighting history.

  • Polyp Extension:

    Look for corals with tentacles visibly extended. Healthy Plate Corals often show gentle movement and respond to light or touch. A withdrawn or unresponsive coral may indicate stress or poor acclimation.

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