Scoly Coral Care Guide: Master Varieties & Expert Tips 2025

When I first laid eyes on a scoly coral at my local reef store, I was mesmerized by its vibrant colors and fleshy appearance. These stunning LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals have become prized specimens in reef aquariums worldwide, and for good reason. After keeping several scolys for years and helping countless reef keepers troubleshoot their scoly care, I've compiled this comprehensive guide covering everything from basic care to identifying master varieties.

The scoly coral, scientifically reclassified from Scolymia australis to Homophyllia australis in recent taxonomic updates, represents one of the most sought-after corals in the hobby. These solitary polyp corals, often called doughnut corals or meat corals due to their distinctive appearance, can command prices ranging from $50 for common varieties to over $1,000 for rare Master Scolys.

In this guide, we'll explore the fascinating world of scoly corals, covering their care requirements, the different varieties available, and how to troubleshoot common problems. Whether you're considering your first scoly or looking to expand your collection, this guide will provide the knowledge you need for success.

What Is a Scoly Coral? Understanding the Basics

Scoly corals belong to the family Lobophylliidae and are characterized by their single, large polyp structure. Unlike many other corals that form colonies, each scoly is an individual polyp that can grow up to 5-6 inches in diameter. These corals originate primarily from the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Australia, which explains their former scientific name Scolymia australis.

The recent taxonomic reclassification to Homophyllia australis occurred as scientists conducted more detailed genetic analyses. According to research published by the World Register of Marine Species, this change reflects a better understanding of the coral's evolutionary relationships. Despite the name change, the care requirements and characteristics we love about these corals remain the same.

What makes scolys particularly appealing to reef keepers is their incredible tissue fluorescence and color variety. The coral's flesh extends well beyond its skeleton, creating a puffy, cushion-like appearance that's both beautiful and functional. This extended tissue allows them to capture food particles more effectively and provides protection from environmental stressors.

In their natural habitat, scolys typically inhabit reef slopes and lagoons at depths ranging from 15 to 130 feet. They're often found nestled in crevices or on sandy substrates where they receive moderate light and water flow. Understanding their natural environment helps us recreate optimal conditions in our home aquariums.

Scoly Coral Varieties and Master Scoly Identification

The world of scoly varieties is where this coral truly shines. We categorize scolys based on their color patterns, with certain combinations being significantly rarer and more valuable than others. Let me break down the main categories you'll encounter in the hobby.

Common Scoly Varieties

Standard scolys typically display two to three colors in relatively simple patterns. Common color combinations include red with green, orange with purple, or blue with red. These specimens usually feature a contrasting oral disc (the center where the mouth is located) and radiating patterns extending toward the edges. While called "common," these scolys are still stunning additions to any reef tank and typically range from $50 to $200.

Ultra Grade Scolys

Ultra grade scolys step up the complexity with more intricate patterns and unusual color combinations. You might see specimens with rainbow patterns, multiple concentric rings of color, or unusual metallic sheens. These corals often feature four or more distinct colors and can display patterns reminiscent of tie-dye or psychedelic art. Ultra grades typically range from $200 to $500.

Master Scoly Characteristics

Master Scolys represent the pinnacle of scoly coral collecting. These exceptional specimens combine multiple rare traits that set them apart from standard varieties. A true Master Scoly will typically exhibit:

• Five or more distinct colors in complex patterns
• Unusual color combinations rarely seen in nature
• Extreme fluorescence under both white and actinic lighting
• Unique patterns like bleeding colors, striations, or spots
• Exceptional size (often exceeding 4 inches)
• Perfect symmetry and tissue health

The term "Master Scoly" originated from Jason Fox and other high-end coral vendors who needed a way to distinguish these exceptional specimens. Prices for authentic Master Scolys often exceed $500 and can reach $2,000 or more for particularly rare specimens. The "Bleeding Apple" Master Scoly, with its distinctive red and green coloration that appears to bleed into each other, remains one of the most sought-after varieties.

Essential Water Parameters for Scoly Coral Care

Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for scoly coral health. Through my experience and conversations with successful scoly keepers, I've found these parameters provide the best results:

Temperature

Keep your tank between 75-79°F (24-26°C). Scolys are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so invest in a quality heater and consider a temperature controller. I've noticed my scolys show the best coloration and extension at a steady 77°F.

Salinity

Maintain specific gravity between 1.024-1.026 or 35 ppt salinity. Consistency is key here - rapid salinity changes can cause tissue recession. Always match your new saltwater to your tank's parameters before water changes.

pH Levels

Target 8.1-8.4 pH, with 8.2-8.3 being ideal. Scolys can tolerate slight variations, but prolonged exposure to low pH can affect their skeletal growth and overall health.

Alkalinity

Keep alkalinity between 8-11 dKH. I've found 9 dKH provides a good balance between stability and growth. Sudden alkalinity swings are particularly stressful for scolys and can cause tissue retraction.

Calcium

Maintain 400-450 ppm calcium. While scolys aren't rapid growers like SPS corals, they still require adequate calcium for skeletal development and tissue health.

Magnesium

Keep magnesium at 1250-1350 ppm. This often-overlooked parameter helps maintain proper calcium and alkalinity balance while supporting various biological processes.

Nitrates and Phosphates

Unlike ultra-low nutrient SPS systems, scolys actually prefer slightly elevated nutrients. Target 5-15 ppm nitrates and 0.03-0.1 ppm phosphates. These levels support the zooxanthellae that give scolys their vibrant colors while providing energy for the coral.

Lighting Requirements for Optimal Scoly Coloration

Lighting plays a crucial role in both the health and appearance of your scoly coral. These LPS corals occupy a sweet spot between low and high light requirements, making them relatively flexible but still requiring careful consideration.

In terms of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), scolys thrive in the 75-150 PAR range. I've found the sweet spot to be around 100-125 PAR for most varieties. At these levels, you'll see excellent color development without risking bleaching or tissue damage. Master Scolys often show their best colors at the lower end of this range, around 75-100 PAR.

The type of lighting also matters significantly. LED systems have become the standard for displaying scolys due to their ability to bring out fluorescent colors. A good LED fixture with adjustable spectrum allows you to fine-tune the appearance of your scoly. I run my LEDs with approximately 60% blue, 20% white, and 20% supplemental colors (red, green, UV) for optimal coloration.

T5 lighting can also work excellently for scolys, providing more even coverage and natural-looking colors. Many high-end collectors use a combination of T5 and LED, getting the best of both worlds. If using T5s, a combination of blue plus and actinic bulbs with one or two daylight bulbs typically works well.

Remember to acclimate your scoly to your lighting gradually. Start at 50% intensity or place the coral lower in the tank, then slowly increase intensity or move it up over 2-3 weeks. Sudden light changes can cause bleaching or tissue recession.

Water Flow and Placement Strategies

Finding the right flow for your scoly is crucial for its long-term health. These corals prefer low to moderate, indirect flow. Too much flow can cause the tissue to retract and prevent the coral from fully expanding, while insufficient flow can lead to detritus accumulation and tissue problems.

I've found that placing scolys where they receive gentle, random flow works best. The movement should be enough to gently sway the coral's flesh but not cause it to flap violently or remain constantly retracted. Using a wavemaker with random flow patterns or positioning the coral where it receives indirect flow from your main circulation pumps usually achieves this balance.

When it comes to placement in the tank, scolys are typically placed on the sand bed or lower rockwork. This positioning serves multiple purposes: it provides the appropriate light levels, protects them from excessive flow, and prevents them from stinging other corals with their surprisingly potent sweeper tentacles that can extend 2-3 inches at night.

Leave at least 3-4 inches of space between your scoly and other corals. While they appear docile during the day, scolys can be aggressive feeders at night. I learned this lesson the hard way when a scoly's sweeper tentacles damaged a nearby acanthastrea.

Feeding Your Scoly Coral for Maximum Growth and Color

While scolys derive much of their nutrition from photosynthesis via their zooxanthellae, supplemental feeding significantly enhances their growth, coloration, and overall health. In my experience, well-fed scolys display more vibrant colors and fuller tissue expansion.

Target feeding is the most effective approach for scolys. I feed mine 2-3 times per week, typically after lights out when they're most receptive. Using a turkey baster or feeding pipette, gently deliver food directly to the coral's oral disc. The feeding response is fascinating to watch - the coral will slowly engulf the food over 20-30 minutes.

Best Foods for Scoly Corals

Scolys aren't picky eaters, but they do have preferences. Meaty foods work best, with appropriate sizes being crucial - food particles should be roughly 1-5mm. Here are my go-to foods:

• Mysis shrimp (whole or chopped)
• Brine shrimp
• Finely chopped raw shrimp or scallop
• Quality pellet foods (LPS pellets work great)
• Reef roids or similar powder foods
• Chopped silversides for larger specimens

When preparing fresh seafood, rinse it in tank water first to remove any preservatives. I've found that soaking foods in vitamin supplements or coral amino acids before feeding provides additional benefits, particularly for newly acquired specimens or those recovering from stress.

Some aquarists have success with broadcast feeding, where food is added to the water column for the coral to capture. While this can work, I've found target feeding more efficient and less likely to cause water quality issues. If you do broadcast feed, reduce the amount to prevent excess nutrients.

Common Scoly Coral Problems and Troubleshooting

Even with proper care, scolys can occasionally develop issues. Here are the most common problems I've encountered and their solutions:

Tissue Recession

If you notice the flesh pulling away from the skeleton, first check your water parameters, particularly alkalinity and salinity. Tissue recession often results from parameter swings or poor water quality. Perform a series of small water changes, ensure stable parameters, and consider dipping the coral in an iodine solution if bacterial infection is suspected.

Bleaching or Color Loss

Scolys typically bleach due to excessive light or sudden environmental changes. If your scoly is losing color, reduce lighting intensity and ensure stable temperatures. Increasing feeding frequency can help provide additional nutrition while the coral recovers its zooxanthellae. Recovery can take several weeks to months, so patience is essential.

Not Opening Fully

A scoly that remains partially retracted usually indicates flow issues or irritation. Check if the flow is too strong, look for pests like flatworms or nudibranchs, and ensure no nearby corals are stinging it with sweeper tentacles. Sometimes, simply moving the coral to a different location resolves the issue.

Brown Jelly Disease

This bacterial infection appears as a brown, jelly-like substance on the coral's tissue. It's serious and requires immediate action. Remove the coral, siphon off all brown jelly, and perform an iodine dip. Some aquarists have success with antibiotics like Cipro, but prevention through good water quality is always preferable.

Deflated Appearance

If your scoly looks deflated or shrunken, it might be hungry or experiencing water chemistry issues. Increase feeding frequency and check your phosphate and nitrate levels - remember, scolys prefer slightly elevated nutrients compared to SPS corals. A deflated appearance can also indicate the coral is expelling waste, which is normal and temporary.

Fragging and Propagation Considerations

Unlike many corals, scolys present unique challenges for propagation. As solitary polyps, they cannot be fragged in the traditional sense - cutting them would likely kill the coral. However, there have been exciting developments in scoly reproduction worth discussing.

In 2021, scientists at the Coral Spawning Lab in London achieved a breakthrough by successfully spawning and settling Homophyllia australis in captivity. This research, reported in CORAL Magazine, represents the first documented case of captive scoly reproduction. The team used temperature and lighting manipulation to trigger spawning, similar to techniques used with other coral species.

In the wild, scolys reproduce through broadcast spawning, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column during specific lunar cycles. While hobbyists cannot easily replicate this process, understanding it helps explain why scolys are relatively expensive - they cannot be easily propagated like many other corals.

Some aquarists report success with scolys naturally splitting or budding in captivity, though this is rare. When it does occur, it typically happens in mature specimens that have been in stable conditions for several years. The process is slow, taking many months for a complete division.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

Choosing appropriate tank mates for your scoly ensures both its safety and that of other inhabitants. Scolys generally coexist well with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates, but there are some important considerations.

Safe fish companions include clownfish, cardinals, gobies, and wrasses. These species won't nip at the coral's flesh and often help keep the area around the scoly clean of detritus. I particularly enjoy watching my cleaner gobies work around my scolys, picking up loose food particles without disturbing the coral.

However, avoid housing scolys with known coral predators. Butterflies (except the truly reef-safe species), large angels, triggers, and puffers should be avoided. Some dottybacks and wrasses may also nip at LPS corals. Even generally reef-safe fish like tangs can occasionally develop a taste for scoly flesh, so monitor new additions carefully.

In terms of coral neighbors, maintain adequate spacing from other species. Scolys can peacefully coexist with most frogspawn coral care setups and other LPS corals if given enough space. However, avoid placing them near aggressive species like galaxea or hydnophora corals, which have particularly long sweeper tentacles.

Clean-up crew members like hermit crabs, snails, and urchins generally leave scolys alone. However, large hermit crabs can occasionally knock over or irritate scolys placed on the sand bed. I prefer smaller blue-leg hermits and various snail species for sand bed maintenance around my scolys.

Selecting and Acclimating Your First Scoly

When selecting a scoly, whether at a local store or online, look for specific indicators of health. The tissue should be fully inflated and extend well beyond the skeleton. Avoid specimens with visible skeleton, tissue recession, or unusual pale patches that might indicate bleaching or disease.

Check the coral's response to stimuli - a healthy scoly will retract slightly when disturbed but should re-expand within minutes. The mouth should be closed and barely visible when the coral is fully expanded. An gaping mouth often indicates stress or poor health.

Proper acclimation is crucial for scoly success. I recommend the drip acclimation method over 45-60 minutes to gradually adjust the coral to your tank's parameters. Float the bag first to equalize temperature, then begin a slow drip of tank water into the bag. This gradual process minimizes stress and reduces the risk of shock.

After acclimation, dip the coral in a coral dip solution to remove potential pests. Products like Coral RX or Bayer work well for removing flatworms, nudibranchs, and other hitchhikers. Even corals from reputable sources can harbor pests, so never skip this step.

Place your new scoly in a low-flow, moderate-light area initially. Even if you plan to keep it elsewhere long-term, starting in a less intense location allows the coral to adjust to your system. Over 2-3 weeks, gradually move it to its final position or increase your lighting intensity.

Advanced Care Tips from Experienced Keepers

After years of keeping scolys and learning from other successful hobbyists, I've picked up several advanced techniques that can take your scoly care to the next level.

Consider the lunar cycle when planning feeding schedules. Many keepers report increased feeding response during new and full moons, mimicking natural spawning cycles. While not scientifically proven, I've noticed my scolys seem more eager to feed during these periods.

Amino acid supplementation can enhance coloration significantly. Products containing specific amino acids that corals cannot produce themselves can lead to improved tissue health and more vibrant colors. I dose amino acids twice weekly and have seen noticeable improvements in my scolys' fluorescence.

Creating a species-specific zone in your tank can simplify care. I dedicate one section of my tank to scolys and similar LPS corals, allowing me to optimize flow and lighting for their specific needs without compromising other corals' requirements.

Photography tip: Scolys photograph best under heavy blue lighting with orange lens filters. This combination brings out their natural fluorescence while reducing the blue cast that can wash out colors in photos. Taking photos during feeding when the coral is most expanded yields the most impressive results.

Understanding Scoly Market and Pricing

The scoly market has evolved significantly over the past decade. What once were relatively affordable corals have become premium collector pieces, particularly for exceptional specimens. Understanding pricing helps you make informed purchasing decisions.

Standard scolys from Indonesia or Australia typically range from $50-150, depending on size and coloration. These make excellent entry points for hobbyists wanting to try scoly keeping without a massive investment. Don't dismiss these as inferior - with proper care, even modest scolys can develop stunning coloration.

Mid-range specimens with unusual patterns or color combinations command $200-500. These often feature characteristics approaching Master grade but may lack the extreme rarity or perfect patterns of true Masters.

Master Scolys represent significant investments, often exceeding $1,000. The pricing reflects their rarity, the difficulty in collecting them, and high demand from collectors. Some legendary pieces like the "Warpaint" or "Psychedelic" Masters have sold for over $2,000.

When purchasing expensive scolys, buy from reputable vendors who provide clear photos under both white and blue light. Request additional photos or videos if needed, and ensure they offer arrival guarantees. Many high-end vendors also provide lineage information for collector pieces.

Recent Scientific Discoveries and Future Outlook

The scientific understanding of scolys continues to evolve. Recent research has focused on their resilience to climate change, with studies suggesting some populations show remarkable adaptability to temperature increases. This research could prove valuable for both conservation efforts and hobbyist care practices.

The taxonomic reclassification to Homophyllia australis resolved long-standing confusion about the relationship between Indo-Pacific and Caribbean scolymia species. We now understand that what we call "scolys" in the hobby are distinct from Caribbean Scolymia cubensis, despite superficial similarities.

Conservation efforts are increasingly important as wild collection faces pressure from climate change and habitat degradation. Supporting captive breeding research and purchasing from sustainable sources helps ensure these magnificent corals remain available for future generations of reef keepers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Scoly corals represent some of the most beautiful and rewarding corals in the reef keeping hobby. From common varieties to exceptional Master Scolys, these LPS corals offer something for every level of reef keeper. Success with scolys comes down to understanding their needs: moderate lighting, gentle flow, stable parameters, and regular feeding.

The journey from keeping your first scoly to potentially owning Master grade specimens is incredibly rewarding. Each scoly has its own personality and beauty, making them centerpiece corals that never fail to impress visitors to your reef tank. With the comprehensive knowledge from this guide, you're well-equipped to provide the care these magnificent corals deserve.

As we continue learning about these fascinating corals through scientific research and hobbyist experience, one thing remains constant - the joy of watching a healthy scoly fully expanded in your reef tank, showing off its incredible colors and patterns. Whether you're drawn to the scientific aspects, the collecting challenge, or simply their beauty, scolys offer endless fascination for reef enthusiasts.

Remember to stay current with the latest care techniques by engaging with the reef keeping community and staying informed about new research. The hobby continues to evolve, and sharing experiences helps everyone succeed with these remarkable corals. For more information about reef keeping terminology and techniques, check out this comprehensive guide to aquarium acronyms commonly used in the hobby.