Polyphyllia

Polyphyllia talpina is an elongated, tongue- or slipper-shaped coral that lives free on the sand. It differs from the plate coral in carrying many mouths scattered over its upper surface instead of a single mouth, and in having a lengthwise groove down the middle. During the day its surface is covered with long, thin, dense tentacles; the coral resembles a furry rug. Y- or T-shaped individuals are occasionally found. Its trade is subject to CITES Appendix II; if possible, choose a maricultured individual.

• Light: Moderate, about 75–200 PAR.
• Flow: Low to moderate and indirect; the tentacles should wave gently.
• Placement: On top of the sand; if placed on rock it slides off, falls and gets injured.
• Water parameters: Salinity 1.024–1.026, KH 7–10 dKH, calcium 400–450 mg/L, magnesium 1250–1350 mg/L; nitrate 2–10 mg/L.

It is photosynthetic. If mysis or chopped shrimp is placed between the tentacles once or twice a week, several mouths share the food and growth speeds up.

Its long tentacles sting; leave at least 10–15 cm between it and corals on the sand and at the base of the rockwork. Do not let it touch other free-living corals on the sand. Dwarf angelfish, butterflyfish and hermit crabs may pick at the tentacles.