Lesser Valley Coral
Platygyra lamellina
A tough brain coral with neat, winding valleys and broad reef tolerance.
About
The lesser valley coral (Platygyra lamellina) is one of those dependable, solidly built stony corals that doesn't draw a lot of drama in the tank but rewards attentive keepers with slow, steady growth and a genuinely attractive form. Colonies grow in a massive, meandering pattern, the kind of brain coral shape most hobbyists recognize immediately, with thick walls separating the winding valleys. The septa running down into those valleys are evenly raised and neatly rounded, giving the surface a clean, almost combed appearance. Columellae develop within the valleys but don't resolve into distinct centers, keeping the texture consistent throughout. In terms of color, expect mostly brown tones, sometimes with grey or green valleys contrasting against the darker walls. Subtle rather than flashy, but with a natural quality that looks great in a well-lit mixed reef. In the wild, this species turns up across a wide band of the Indo-West Pacific, from the surface down to around 47 meters, and is especially common around back reef margins. That broad habitat tolerance carries over into aquarium life reasonably well. Moderate lighting and flow suit it fine, and while it isn't a beginner coral, a keeper with some reef experience and stable water quality should find it manageable and rewarding over the long term.
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.