Plate Coral
The plate (or disc) coral is unusual - a single large free-living polyp shaped like a domed disc that is not attached to rock but sits loose on the sand, and can even slowly inflate and move itself.
🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026
Overview
The plate (or disc) coral is unusual - a single large free-living polyp shaped like a domed disc that is not attached to rock but sits loose on the sand, and can even slowly inflate and move itself. Hardy and striking, with one firm rule: keep it on soft sand, not rock. (Fungia and relatives.)
Origin & Habitat
Indo-Pacific reefs, lying free on sandy and rubble beds at the base of the reef.
Appearance
A round or oval disc with radiating ridges and a central mouth, in green, orange, pink or mottled tones; fleshy tissue puffs up over the skeleton.
Placement & Temperament
Solitary and free-living. Keep it on open sand, not wedged in rock, and clear of stinging neighbours - it cannot move away quickly if attacked.
Tank & Water Conditions
Salinity 1.024-1.026, 24-27°C, stable alkalinity 8-11 dKH, calcium 400-450, magnesium 1300-1350.
Lighting & Flow
Low to moderate light (about 50-120 PAR) and gentle flow.
Feeding
Photosynthetic, but has a large central mouth and takes meaty target feeds readily, which speeds recovery and growth.
Health & Growth
Hardy if not damaged - the soft tissue tears easily on sharp rock, and torn tissue invites infection. Handle by the skeleton edge, never the flesh, and keep it on sand.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique free-living disc coral
- Bold colours and a big feeding mouth
- Hardy on open sand
Cons
- Tissue tears easily on rock
- Torn tissue can get infected
- Must sit on soft substrate
Plate Coral - frequently asked questions
Can I put a plate coral on the rocks?
No - keep it on soft sand. Its fleshy underside tears on sharp rock, and damaged tissue often gets infected. It is a free-living, sand-dwelling coral.
My plate coral looks puffed up and huge - is that OK?
Yes. Fungia inflate their tissue with water, which can make them balloon well beyond the skeleton. It is normal and a sign of health.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the exotic
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our exotic. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Social by nature, these scavengers form lines to swap shells and breathe through gills needing humid air.
It's the Hermit Crab - read the full profile →
Clue 2.This hermaphrodite gastropod has both sexes in one body and can lay over a thousand eggs a year.
It's the Giant African Land Snail - read the full profile →
Clue 3.This ambush hunter has a single ear on its underside, tuned to detect the echolocation of hunting bats.
It's the Praying Mantis - read the full profile →