Coral species · Trachy Coral

Trachyphyllia geoffroyi

A free-living open brain coral with fleshy, vividly coloured valleys: the classic Trachy.

Overview

Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, often called the Trachy or open brain coral, is a free-living coral that rests on soft substrate rather than attaching to rock. Its fleshy valleys inflate during the day into a striking, folded shape.

Appearance and colour

The tissue is thick and fleshy, with one or more valleys depending on the size of the piece. Reds, pinks, greens and multi-coloured pieces are popular, often with strong fluorescence under blue lighting.

Care in the aquarium

Because it lives on soft sediment in the wild, the Trachy belongs on the sand bed, in low flow and low to moderate light. It feeds readily on meaty foods, which helps the tissue stay full and colourful. It extends feeding tentacles at night, so keep it a little apart from neighbouring corals.

At a glance

Trachy Coral

Type LPS (large polyp stony)
Also known as Trachy, open brain coral
Lighting Low to moderate
Water flow Low
Placement Sand bed
Feeding Meaty foods; feeds readily
Care level Easy to moderate
Temperament Mildly aggressive

Every coral is unique. Photos are representative of the species; each colony varies in shape, size and colour.

Responsibly sourced

How we source Trachyphyllia geoffroyi

Our corals are collected on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, from the northern areas of the Reef down to Bundaberg, our home. Our diving collection vessels are equipped for long-distance travel, so we can find the best corals and keep them in pristine condition on the way to our holding facility.

Jeremy leads our harvesting team, which is extensively trained in safe, sustainable collecting techniques. We work to a strictly limited quota across broad reef areas within specific zones, taking small numbers of corals of limited size and premium quality and leaving the majority of the coral intact.

At our Bundaberg holding facility, Travis and the team fine-tune feeding, lighting and husbandry so every coral is in top condition before it is carefully packed and shipped. Our growing aquaculture program supports our vision of offering a 100% aquacultured source of premium corals.

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Limited, selective harvest

A strictly limited quota, taken from broad reef areas in specific zones. Small numbers, limited sizes and premium quality.

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Stewardship and certification

We participate in Provision Reef, an industry stewardship program, and maintain CITES certification for responsible sourcing.

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Towards 100% aquacultured

Our growing aquaculture program in Bundaberg supports our vision of a fully aquacultured source of premium corals.

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