Overview
Blastomussa is a popular and forgiving LPS coral known for its rounded, fleshy polyps arranged in tight clusters, each showing striking colour gradients from a bright centre outward. It's one of the easier corals to keep well and is a reliable choice for colour without demanding conditions.
Common colour combinations include red or pink centres fading into green or gold edges, and each colony shows its own unique pattern, making them popular one-of-one collector's pieces. It forms a low, meaty encrusting colony rather than growing tall or branching.
It is undemanding compared to many colourful LPS, tolerating a fairly broad range of typical reef tank conditions.
Placement & neighbours
Blastomussa is peaceful with no significant sweeper tentacles, so it can sit relatively close to neighbouring corals, though some clearance is still worthwhile since it will slowly expand outward as an encrusting colony over time.
Works well in the low-to-mid tank zone with gentle, indirect flow; strong direct flow can prevent the polyps from fully inflating.
Health & acclimation
Drip acclimate over 20-30 minutes; Blastomussa is comparatively tolerant but benefits from a gradual introduction like other LPS. A coral dip on arrival helps remove any hitchhiking pests. Watch for tissue recession around polyp bases, which can indicate poor flow allowing detritus buildup or unstable water parameters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blastomussa a good beginner coral?
Why are the polyps staying deflated?
Does Blastomussa need feeding?
Can Blastomussa be placed near other LPS?
How fast does Blastomussa grow?
Care guidance is drawn from our own experience — every coral is an individual, so treat it as a starting point, not a guarantee. Not sure if a coral suits your system? Come ask us in store.