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Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 1:38 am
by knightfox
Haven't had much experience with brain corals, but I was wondering if it's possible to keep similar species like favia, favites, goniastrea, and montastrea in close proximity, almost like a brain garden setup. I know you need to leave some space for growth, but do their stingers cause issues with each other or are they relatively tolerant, similar to euphyllias - except for torches, of course?

Re: Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:35 am
by knightfox
I'm no expert on brain corals, but I've had a few favia, favites, and goniastrea in the past. From my experience, they seem pretty chill with each other, similar to euphyllias (torch being the exception, of course). You can definitely keep them close, just make sure to leave enough space for growth. Their stingers aren't super aggressive towards each other, so a brain garden arrangement should work out fine.

Re: Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 7:55 am
by zenon
Had the same question, actually.

Re: Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 10:25 am
by whetu
I'm curious to know the answer too. Got a few growing near each other right now, just gonna observe what happens.

Re: Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 11:12 am
by knightfox
I've seen different colour morphs of the same species grow together, but pictures of multiple species almost touching seem scarce. Someone must have some insight on this.

Re: Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 4:16 pm
by tetraTim
I've not experimented with it myself, but I'm inclined to think they might not get along. You'd need to keep a close eye on them, that's for sure. Guess there's only one way to find out, though.

Re: Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 5:49 pm
by Korvu1
I'd say it's more likely than not, they'll go to war. Those corals pack a pretty strong sting and are known to be aggressive. You might be alright until they grow close, but they can send out some long sweepers that'll cause damage.

Re: Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 5:57 pm
by sweetie_22
Favia and Favites are notorious for their aggressive behavior, they'll sting to death anything within reach of their sweepers. Keep them at a safe distance, at least the length of their sweepers, from other corals to avoid any conflicts.

Re: Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:49 pm
by RhythmKing
I keep my wells close, no issues with them touching, their feelers are pretty short. I do give my lobos some extra space, they can be a bit more feisty. My maze brain, on the other hand, has those long sweepers that need some room to breathe.

Re: Keeping brain corals in groups

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2022 12:53 am
by whetu
sweetie_22 wrote: Mon Aug 22, 2022 5:57 pm Favia and Favites are notorious for their aggressive behavior, they'll sting to death anything within reach of their sweepers. Keep them at a safe distance, at least the length of their sweepers, from other corals to avoid any conflicts.
Got one that needs relocating