Sandalolitha plate coral (Sandalolitha robusta) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Sandalolitha, Free-living plate coral
Family
Fungiidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific; free-living on sand and rubble
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Moderate
Flow
Low to medium

Care

A free-living, dome- or saucer-shaped coral with many mouths across its upper surface and short tentacles. Usually brown, green or purple. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. The figures follow LiveAquaria's short-tentacle plate coral (Fungia repanda), a close relative. Placement: bottom of the tank on fine sand. Light and flow: moderate light and gentle flow. Water: Keep calcium around 400–450 ppm, alkalinity at dKH 8–12 and magnesium around 1250–1350 ppm, and keep them steady; regular dosing of calcium, alkalinity and trace elements (or a calcium reactor in a busy reef) is needed as the coral grows. Growth: slow. 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/plate-coral-purple-short-tentacle). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic. Offer mysis, brine shrimp or small meaty foods a few times a week while the tentacles are extended.

Breeding

Not fragged. Free-living Fungiidae can bud new polyps from damaged areas.

Compatibility and tank mates

Semi-aggressive: even short tentacles can sting corals it touches. Keep some sand between it and other corals.

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

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