Is this behavior of Scolymia normal?

andrespgc · Jul 19, 2023

Hey guys, how are you doing?
Recently i bought a scolymia and recently it started to do this:

Since i never had one, i wonder if this is normal at all.

Thanks guys

blaxsun · Jul 19, 2023

I have seen them grow into really bizarre shapes at my LFS.

andrespgc · Jul 20, 2023

blaxsun said:
I have seen them grow into really bizarre shapes at my LFS.

Everyone that i ask says that it never happened before with them.. Even if they have it for longer and also, more than one.

Tcook · Jul 20, 2023

It happens to mine when lifted by water currents, even subtle ones. I adjust the powerheads, move the scoly a little, or place a small piece of LR to deflect the flow.

Kmst80 · Jul 20, 2023

Doesn't look like a Scolly to me, more like a Lobophyllia

Tcook · Jul 20, 2023

Kmst80 said:
Doesn't look like a Scolly to me, more like a Lobophyllia

Or acantho.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Jul 20, 2023

agree it does not look like a scoly to me either

thelonereefer1 · Jul 20, 2023

It’s giving off Acantho vibes to me. I’ve had mine so that if the flow was a little much wanting to lift the edges. Is that with the lights on when it’s fully opened?

Mr_Knightley · Jul 20, 2023

That's an acanthophyllia, not a scoly. They do that when excess flow is blowing up under their mantles, it's not unhappy per se but they don't like being disturbed like that long term. I would suggest moving it to a more sheltered spot on the sand so it can expand fully.

andrespgc · Jul 20, 2023

Mr_Knightley said:
That's an acanthophyllia, not a scoly. They do that when excess flow is blowing up under their mantles, it's not unhappy per se but they don't like being disturbed like that long term. I would suggest moving it to a more sheltered spot on the sand so it can expand fully.

You are right, it’s a acanthophyllia. Sorry. Also thanks for the reply.