Red Trachyphyllia

Trachyphyllia corals are one of the most captivating large polyp stony (LPS) corals in the saltwater hobby. Their fleshy, oversized polyps, mesmerizing colors, and ability to thrive in lower-light reef tanks make them a favorite among beginners and advanced aquarists alike. Unlike many LPS corals, Trachyphyllia are free-living—meaning they don’t need to attach to rocks and prefer resting on soft sandbeds instead.

Their slow, rhythmic inflation and deflation give them an almost breathing appearance, adding a unique sense of movement to reef tanks. But despite their ease of care, they still require specific conditions to thrive, particularly when it comes to placement, feeding, and stable water chemistry.

Trachyphyllia corals belong to the Lobophylliidae family and are found in the Indo-Pacific region, often in sandy, rubble-filled lagoons or the lower reef slopes where they experience moderate flow and diffused lighting. Unlike encrusting or branching LPS corals, they prefer to sit on soft substrate rather than attach to rockwork.

Historically, these corals were classified into two separate species—Trachyphyllia geoffroyi and Trachyphyllia radiata. However, modern research suggests that T. radiata is likely just a growth variation of T. geoffroyi, meaning that all Trachyphyllia corals in the trade today fall under Trachyphyllia geoffroyi.