Is that…No, it couldn’t be. But, it looks just like… Eww, it is. It is definitely a brain in that salt water aquarium! Gross, look at the fish just swimming around it, like it’s not there. And are those things GROWING on it? I think I’m calling the cops..this guy has a brain in his fish tank!
Ok, minor freak outs aside, if you look in a fish tank and see what appears to be a brain, don’t be alarmed. It is most likely (and I say most likely because some wackos out there might just keep a brain in an aquarium) a brain coral, which is a popular addition to any salt water aquarium. Not only are brain coral fun to look at, but there are actually very hardy and require little care. Let’s examine this freaky looking coral a little bit more.
Brain coral is actually a stony coral. It is classified as such because the coral is formed as a hard skeleton out of calcium carbonate from minerals found in ocean water. Brain coral, of course, gets its name from the close resemblance to a human brain. Brain coral is found in warm water coral reefs across the world.
Amazingly brain coral can live for up to 200 years. The coral is photosynthetic, feeding on algal nutrients and sometimes small, drifting animals. The longevity and simple feeding habits of this specific type of coral make it extremely popular for those trying to recreate an ocean scene in a salt water aquarium.
If you’re thinking of adding a brain coral to your aquarium, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First of all, it is extremely important to examine your coral immediately after receiving it to look for damage. Though brain coral are hardy, they often become sick or damaged when being transported. Once you’ve established that you have a healthy brain coral place it either on a gravelly bottom or large rock in your tank. These are the areas where the coral with thrive the best. It is recommended that you keep your tank temperature in the upper 70’s degrees Fahrenheit with a pH of 8.3-8.4 if possible. It is also important to maintain the proper calcium levels as that is how the coral grows and stays healthy.
Do you own a brain coral? Have any tips or hilarious stories in relation to the coral? Has anyone really mistaken your coral for a brain and called the cops on you? Well if so, then you have really bad luck….but I’d love to hear about it! Post a comment today!