Lesser Valley Coral
Platygyra crosslandi
A tough, compact maze coral with valleys that glow green against earthy brown walls.
About
The lesser valley coral (Platygyra crosslandi) is one of the more understated members of the brain coral group, forming solid massive colonies or broad, thick plates that look like they were built to last. The colony surface is covered in the characteristic labyrinthine valley pattern you'd expect from a Platygyra, but here the valleys are notably short and the walls between them are thick and rounded rather than sharp-edged. Septa are evenly exserted and irregularly toothed, giving the surface a pleasingly textured look up close. Columellae can be quite developed on mature specimens. Coloration is typically a warm brown base with the valleys themselves taking on a greenish hue. Not a flashy species by any means, but one with a quiet, natural appeal that fits well in a mixed reef display. In the wild it turns up across a broad range of reef environments, which hints at a decent tolerance for varying conditions. In the aquarium it does best with moderate light and moderate water movement, and its intermediate care rating reflects the general demands of keeping large-polyp stony corals healthy long-term rather than any particular fussiness specific to this species. A solid, dependable coral for a keeper who's moved past the beginner stage.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Lesser Valley Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Lesser Valley Coral need?
- The Lesser Valley Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Lesser Valley Coral reef safe?
- The Lesser Valley Coral is generally considered reef safe.