Encrusting Sandpaper Coral

About

Found across a remarkably broad swath of tropical reef habitat, Psammocora haimiana is a small-polyp stony coral distributed from the coast of South Africa all the way to Japan and French Polynesia. In the wild it occupies shallow reef environments but has been recorded at depths well beyond what most reef hobbyists would expect, suggesting a degree of adaptability to varying light conditions. Growth form is encrusting to submassive, meaning colonies spread across and over hard substrate rather than building tall branching structures. Up close, the corallites sit at the base of small depressions or in short, non-wandering valleys, and the septa have a petal-like quality that gives the surface a finely textured appearance. Coloration is typically muted, grey and brown are the norm, though occasional colonies can show brighter tones. In the reef tank, this coral is considered an intermediate-level keep rather than a beginner species, though it is not especially demanding compared to more finicky small-polyp stony corals. Moderate lighting and moderate flow suit it well. It is reef safe and poses no particular threat to neighbors. For hobbyists interested in building a diverse SPS display that includes some less commonly kept Psammocora species, this one is a solid and legitimate option.