Blastomussa (blasto) (Blastomussa wellsi) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Blasto, Blasto wellsi, Pineapple coral
Family
Mussidae (as traded)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, often in shaded or deeper reef areas
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Moderate (LiveAquaria)
Flow
Low

Care

Blastomussa wellsi forms clusters of round, fleshy polyps, each up to about 2 cm across, on short tubular skeletons. LiveAquaria sells green and red forms; many bright captive-grown colour forms are traded. Place it low in the tank with moderate light and low flow (LiveAquaria). It tolerates shade well and can bleach under very strong light. LiveAquaria rates it moderate. Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.0–8.4 and 22–26 °C, with trace elements, calcium, strontium and magnesium. Growth is slow to moderate; new polyps bud from the base. The genus's family placement has been revised by recent genetic studies. Selling: this is a CITES Appendix II coral. Frags grown in the UK can be sold freely; wild-collected or imported pieces must have been legally imported with CITES paperwork. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/blastomussa-coral-indonesia-3-5-wysiwyg). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic. LiveAquaria says it does not need supplemental food but will take zooplankton or filter-feeder foods; small meaty foods help growth.

Breeding

Easy to frag: cut between polyps with bone cutters so each piece has one or more heads on its own stalk, then glue to a plug.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful (LiveAquaria): it has no long sweeper tentacles and can sit near other peaceful corals or invertebrates. It is easily stung by aggressive LPS.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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