Family Fungiidae
Article and Photo By: steve-s
Fungia klunzingeri - Short Tentacle Plate Coral
Genus: Cycloseris, Diaseris, Fungia, Halomitra, Heliofungia, Herpetoglossa, Herpolitha, Lithophyllon, Parahalomitra, Podabacia, Polyphyllia, Sandalolitha, and Zoophilus
In this article we will confine the discussion to the more commonly found in the hobby of coral husbandry:
Fungia, Heliofungia, Herpolitha, Polyphillia and Sandalolitha.
Common names include: Short tentacle plate, Long Tentacle Plate, Tongue corals, Slipper corals and Dome corals
These types of corals are typically bottom dwellers found in reef habitats located on slopes or soft sandy bottoms
near lagoon areas. As juveniles they are attached to structures until they mature and detach where they become
solitary corals. Often found in groups, these corals have the ability of recognition and often do not sting each other
in space competition similar to other species of corals. Fungiids have an extremely dense slime coat that when used to
attack an unrecognized nearby coral can result in over 80% damage and tissue loss. Often found in shallow areas, these
coral do not feed during the day but rather absorb the necessary sunlight needed for the production of zooxanthellae
which also gives them their vibrant colors. Often green, purple or pink; these beautiful corals have also been found
in gold, blue, red and yellows.
Fungiids are single polyped stony corals with one mouth. Feeding is primarily accomplished at night when microscopic
planktonic animals are more active and available. Short sweeper tentacles are more evident at this time as well due
to lack of predatory animals about. In the home aquarium the tentacles and overall appearance is to remain "inflated"
where the natural behavior of these corals is to be inactive during the day. The flesh of the animal will be receded
and appear almost dead.
Care of these animals is relatively easy in the home aquarium. Most prefer medium to low flow areas. Bright light is not typically
appreciated by these corals and will often do best in medium lighting (high output fluorescents). Placing on a soft sandy substrate
is best to prevent damage to their delicate septa. They are often prone to "walking" and should not be placed on or near ledges
where they can falter. Care should be taken to ensure the coral remain free of debris and sediment. Excessive or continual "sliming"
to remove irritants can cause Fungiids to become overly stressed and often necros.
If in an intensely lit aquarium, placing in a shaded area is best at least for the first few weeks to allow the coral to adjust. It is
just as easy for this coral to get too much light as not enough. Fungiids will benefit from the occasional feeding and in fact will
keep them quite healthy as they do not gain enough essential elements from the water column and must be absorbed through foods as with
most marine life. Feeding should consist of finely minced raw seafood's preferably enhanced with a quality marine liquid vitamin.
Covering the animal with an inverted plastic cylinder will best accomplish this and allow the coral to easily capture the food.
Water parameters as with most all corals should be kept under constant scrutiny. While they are a fair amount more forgiving, these corals
are as susceptible to poor water conditions as many other LPS (Long Polyped Scleractinians) are. Elevated nitrates especially make this
coral succumb to "brown jelly disease" easily. Water chemistry can be best maintained through water changes with a good quality salt mix,
two part balanced additives or kalkwasser (limewater).
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