{"product_id":"ultra-blastomussa-merletti-pea-hp-oc1906","title":"Ultra Blastomussa merletti","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUltra Blastomussa merletti, scientifically recognized as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlastomussa merleti\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, is a colonial stony coral characterized by relatively small, fleshy polyps growing from individual tubular corallites. This colony displays deep rose-red to burgundy polyps with brilliant fluorescent yellow-green centers and subtle orange-gold highlights around portions of the oral discs. When fully expanded, the fleshy polyps can obscure much of the underlying skeleton and create a dense, rounded colony. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlastomussa merleti\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e contains symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that supply much of its nutritional energy, while the polyps can also capture appropriately sized plankton and meaty marine foods. The aquarium trade commonly uses the spelling “Blastomussa merletti,” which is retained in the product name to match your supplied filename; the accepted scientific spelling is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlastomussa merleti\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Guide:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlastomussa merleti\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e generally does best under \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elow to moderate reef lighting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003egentle to moderate, indirect water movement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Excessively intense light or forceful flow can cause the fleshy polyps to remain contracted, so gradual acclimation is recommended. Place the colony on stable rockwork where the expanded tissue will not rub against sharp surfaces. Maintain stable temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium to support skeletal growth. Nitrate and phosphate should remain measurable and reasonably stable. Photosynthesis supplies much of the coral's energy, but occasional targeted feeding with finely chopped marine foods or other appropriately sized foods can supplement nutrition and support growth. Allow space between Blastomussa and neighboring corals to avoid direct tissue contact.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pacific East Aquaculture, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67721377513705,"sku":"HP OC1906","price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2133\/7655\/files\/ultra-blastomussa-merletti-lps-coral-colonies-pea-HP-OC1906.jpg?v=1792444919","url":"https:\/\/pacificeastaquaculture.com\/products\/ultra-blastomussa-merletti-pea-hp-oc1906","provider":"Pacific East Aquaculture","version":"1.0","type":"link"}