Lesser Valley Coral

About

The lesser valley coral (Platygyra ryukyuensis) is a brain-type stony coral forming solid, massive colonies that tend toward shorter, tighter valley systems than many of its relatives. Some colonies grow in a monocentric form, producing a rounded, almost singular dome shape, while others develop the more familiar labyrinthine patterning typical of the genus. The valleys themselves are notably narrow, typically only a few millimeters wide, with thin dividing walls and irregular septo-costae that give the surface a somewhat rough, uneven texture. There are no paliform lobes, which helps distinguish it from similar-looking species. Coloration runs toward dark brown, grey, or olive green, often with the valley walls and floors showing contrasting shades that give the colony a layered, dimensional look. Found in shallow reef environments, this coral is adapted to moderate light and flow conditions, making it a reasonably approachable choice for hobbyists who already have some experience keeping large polyp stony or small polyp stony corals. It is considered reef safe and should be given adequate space on the rockwork, as like most brain corals it can extend sweeper tentacles after dark to defend its territory from neighboring colonies.