Cherry Melon Blastomussa Coral

Cherry Melon Blastomussa Coral

Overview

Cherry Melon Blastomussa Coral shows large fleshy polyps with concentric red and green rings. Blastomussa wellsi is a large-polyp stony coral forming clustered heads; it prefers low to moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow. It is photosynthetic with symbiotic algae, and occasional target feeding of small meaty foods can support growth and maintain color. Place on the sandbed or lower rockwork with space around it, as short sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Low–Moderate
Placement Low–Mid
Temperament Peaceful (2–3 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F
pH 8.1–8.4
Salinity 1.025–1.026
Calcium 400–450 ppm
AlkAlkalinity 8–9 dKH
Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp or clam, zooplankton, copepods, coral-specific powdered foods (e.g., Reef Roids), microplankton

Care & Placement

Cherry Melon Blastomussa Coral (Blastomussa wellsi) thrives in low to moderate light (50–100 PAR) and gentle, indirect flow that keeps polyps inflated while preventing detritus from settling. Place on the sandbed or low rock ledges in the lower third of the tank; avoid sharp rock edges that can cut tissue. Allow 2–3 inches of space from neighbors. It’s generally peaceful with short sweepers, but keep distance from aggressive corals like Galaxea, Favias, and some Euphyllia. Target feed 1–3 times weekly with small meaty foods (mysis, finely chopped seafood) or reef-specific powders; feed at dusk when feeding tentacles extend to boost growth and color. Maintain stable parameters: 75–79°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm. Avoid ultra-low nutrients and rapid alkalinity swings.Acclimate with a 30–60 minute drip and light acclimation (start in shade or use screen, then increase exposure over 1–2 weeks). Dip new frags to limit pests; watch for vermetid snails and flatworms. Gently turkey baste weekly to clear debris between polyps. Signs of trouble: bleaching or tight polyps indicate too much light; tissue recession from the base often points to excess flow, unstable alkalinity, or starvation; browning can mean low light or elevated nutrients. Test weekly, calibrate salinity tools, and use a PAR meter or rental for reliable placement. Stabilize first, then adjust one variable at a time.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Cherry Melon Blastomussa Coral

  • Why does my Cherry Melon Blastomussa inflate/deflate dramatically, sometimes looking wrinkled by afternoon?
    Blastomussa wellsi cycles water through its tissue to shed mucus, waste, and adjust to light. Brief deflation is normal. Prolonged collapse points to stress: excess PAR, direct flow, or alk/salinity swings. Check PAR (80–150), aim for gentle, indirect flow, and verify alkalinity stability. If flesh retracts from skeleton, reduce light, increase stability, and spot feed small meaty foods.
  • How can I maintain the bright cherry-red rims and melon-green centers without washing out or browning?
    Keep PAR modest and blue-heavy spectrum. Ensure nutrients aren’t zero—target low but present nitrate (5–15 ppm) and phosphate (0.03–0.08 ppm). Overly “clean” water pales reds; very low light or high nutrients brown the coral. Stable alkalinity and trace replenishment via regular water changes help. Occasional amino acids and evening feedings can deepen saturation.
  • My colony grows heads slowly and looks “gappy.” How do I encourage a fuller dome instead of sparse buds?
    Provide a stable, low-to-moderate light zone on sandbed or lower rockwork with gentle crossflow. Feed small particulate or minced meaty foods 2–3 times weekly when feeders are out. Avoid chronic shading or abrasive sand contact on the rim. Keep space from aggressive neighbors; even short sweepers can irritate edges and slow budding. Consistent parameters promote even polyp inflation and tighter budding.
  • I’m seeing rapid tissue loss with brown, stringy slime on the colony. How should I respond?
    That’s consistent with brown jelly. Immediately siphon the slime, perform an iodine or broad-spectrum coral dip, and remove clearly dead skeleton. Increase gentle, indirect flow to prevent stagnation. Consider a short course of antibacterial bath (per product guidelines). Quarantine if possible, and stabilize temp/alk/salinity. Afterward, reduce light intensity for a week and spot feed to aid recovery.