Maze Brain Corals

Oulophyllia is a massive large polyp stony coral that grows in a maze-like pattern consisting of meandering ridges and valleys. Lying along those valleys are a chain of mouths. In the wild, Oulophyllia brain corals grow in a tighter pattern with relatively smaller ridges and valleys. In captivity their flesh extends substantially from the skeleton to the point they can resemble pectinia or trachyphyllia before growing into its signature dome shape.

Despite its signature appearance as a literal brain coral it is a niche coral in the reef aquarium hobby and relatively uncommon even in LPS dominated mixed reefs. In mixed reefs, it is important to give them plenty of space because they are known to send out sweeper tentacles to fend off neighboring corals.