Blastomussa Merleti

Blastomussa merleti is similar to Blastomussa wellsi, but its polyps are much smaller (usually under 7 mm) and the colony consists of far more polyps. During the day the polyps open not tentacles but an inflated mantle; the most common coloring is a dark red mantle with a green mouth, and there are also pink and orange forms. Being peaceful and hardy, it is also suitable for nano aquariums. Its trade is subject to CITES Appendix II; choose an aquacultured frag.

• Light: Low to moderate, about 50–120 PAR; in strong light the polyps shrink.
• Flow: Low and indirect.
• Placement: The lower zone of the rockwork or a shaded recess.
• Water parameters: Salinity 1.024–1.026, KH 7–10 dKH, calcium 400–450 mg/L, magnesium 1250–1350 mg/L; tolerant apart from sudden changes.

It is photosynthetic and gets by on light. If you like, you can give powdered coral food once a week in the evening; the small polyps cannot catch large food.

It is peaceful; it has no long stinging tentacles, and 5 cm of space is enough. Because it is easily harmed by aggressive LPS, do not place it within their reach. It is easily propagated by separating the polyp tubes at their base with coral cutters. Dwarf angelfish may pick at the mantle.