Wells Coral
Cycloseris wellsi
Also known as: wrinkle coral
A solitary free-living coral that sits right on the sand, easy enough for beginners.
About
Wells Coral (Cycloseris wellsi) is a solitary, free-living stony coral found across the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from shallow reef flats down to around 40 meters. Unlike branching or encrusting corals that anchor firmly to rock, this one sits unattached on sandy or rubble substrates, which is part of what makes it so interesting to keep. It can actually be placed directly on the sandbed rather than mounted to rockwork. The disc-shaped skeleton is marked by a wrinkled, ridged surface, which gives rise to its alternate name, wrinkle coral. In the aquarium, Cycloseris wellsi is considered a good choice for keepers who are still building their experience with stony corals. It appreciates moderate lighting rather than intense reef-level illumination, and it does best with gentle, low flow that won't tumble it around or prevent it from fully extending its tissue. Placement on the sandbed or a low, flat area of the rockwork works well. Because it is free-living, you may occasionally find it has shifted position on its own. This is normal behavior. Overall it is a relatively undemanding LPS coral that rewards consistent water quality and patient observation.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Wells Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Wells Coral need?
- The Wells Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Wells Coral reef safe?
- The Wells Coral is generally considered reef safe.