Highlights

Key Facts About Doughnut Coral

• Scientific Name: Acanthophyllia deshayesiana

• Common Names: Doughnut Coral, Meat Coral, Donut Coral

• Appearance: Single, fleshy polyp with a circular or dome-like shape. Colours range from red, green, blue, orange, and multicoloured galaxy-like patterns.

• Habitat: Found in the Indo-Pacific, often in sandy lagoon areas.

• Aquarium Placement: Bottom to middle of the tank, on sand or flat rock.

Care Requirements

• Lighting: Moderate (too much light can stress the coral).

• Water Flow: Low, gentle currents to avoid tissue damage.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–78°F

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Feeding: Benefits from supplemental feeding (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialized coral foods).

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive—its sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals, so give it space.