Bi-Weekly Species Profile: Blastomussa wellsi

SPECIES PROFILE

June, Week2

BLASTOMUSSA WELLSI

Family: Mussidae

Genus: Blastomussa

Abundance: Uncommon, and rare in the Red Sea

Distribution: Australia, Indonesia, Micronesia, Philippines, Red Sea, Japan

Habitat: Low reef slopes, away from turbulent water

Ease of care (out of 5): 3

(1 Hardest, 5 Easiest)

Hobby Availability (out of 5): 3

(1 Least, 5 Most)

Growth Formation: clustering

Growth Speed: slow to moderate

(under ideal conditions)

Light: low to medium

Flow: gentle, still to slower moving

Fish Incompatibility: certain Angels, Butterfly (Raccoon, Saddleback, more to list)

Known Pests/Diseases: Poor nutrition, Fish

Blastomussa wellsi, or just Blasto, is a forgotten coral. Many have them, but forget that they are there. This is due to their requirements in the wild. These awesome corals are found on the lower reef slopes where they enjoy lower light and lower flow. The coral is made up of single polyps which reproduce asexually or by fission. Its coralites are always in a phaceloid formation, and are numerous. They have small tentacles which come out during the day and night. They also projectile a small web to catch nearby food particles. This is easily observed in an aquarium, as normal feedings of Cyclopeeze will entice the action.

When it comes to feeding, the Blastomussa will eat just about anything it can fit in its mouth. Regular feedings of meaty items, such as silversides, krill, mysis, and scallops, will ensure great health and immune system. A good turkey baster will be an adequate tool in feeding these hungry corals.

Due to the array of colors that it comes in, it is in higher demand than other Mussidae. Back in 2006, there was a huge Blasto craze where shipments of coral would include nearly 80% of this coral. The problem with them is that they are very hard corals for beginners, and many people give up on them too soon. This is why this craze lasted only about half a year. Too bad, as we saw some hard to find pieces.

Fish compatibility is fair. The usual suspects are angels and butterflies, which prey on polyps of the coral (with obvious exceptions, Copperband, Longnose, or Heniouchus). Because of their meaty appearance, they tend to be picked on by hungry Angels. As long as your fish are well fed, these corals will stay alive and full of luster.

Here are some amazing pictures of this species: