Banana Coral

About

Banana coral (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi) is one of the more distinctive free-living corals available to reef keepers, recognizable by its characteristic hourglass shape and fleshy, heavily mantled polyp. Colonies typically host one to three mouths along their meandering valleys, which are lined with large, well-defined septa and a dense tangle of columella spines beneath. During the day the mantle extends noticeably beyond the edges of the skeleton, often displaying rich coloration in shades of yellow, green, blue, or brown. And it will pull back quickly if disturbed, which is worth knowing when placing it. After dark the coral becomes much more active, extending multiple rows of tentacles to feed. In the wild, this species occupies inter-reef flats and soft-bottom areas around continental islands, often alongside other free-living corals on sheltered, shallow seafloors rather than on hard reef structure. That natural habitat is an important clue to placement in the aquarium: Trachyphyllia geoffroyi does best sitting on a soft sand bed rather than being wedged onto rockwork, where pressure on the skeleton can cause tissue damage over time. Moderate light and flow suit it well, and it appreciates regular target feeding. A solid choice for intermediate reef keepers who want an unusual, expressive coral with genuine personality.