Blasto [B. wellsi]

Blastomussa wellsi, adds a unique and captivating touch to any reef aquarium. This large polyp stony (LPS) coral is beloved by hobbyists for its dramatic colors and distinctive appearance.

Taxonomy

Common Names

Blastomussa wellsi is also known by a number of common names in the aquarium hobby, including:

Morphology

Blastomussa wellsi is a large polyp stony coral, featuring fleshy, round polyps that extend from a hard, calcareous skeleton. The polyps can range in color, showcasing a variety of hues such as deep reds, purples, vibrant greens, and pinks. This adds a pop of color to any aquarium setup.

Ecology and Habitat

This coral species is typically found in lower light environments, making it a unique addition to darker aquarium spaces. It thrives in more turbid waters and tends to reside in deeper parts of lagoons and on the lower slopes of reef environments.

Distribution

The distribution of Blastomussa wellsi is primarily in the Indo-Pacific region. Its presence has been noted in the waters around Australia, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands, among others.

Uniqueness

The Blastomussa wellsi coral stands out for its large, fleshy polyps, and stunning range of colors, making it a visually appealing addition to any aquarium. Beyond its aesthetics, what sets it apart is its adaptability to various light conditions and its relatively low care requirements compared to other coral species. This combination of beauty and resilience makes Blastomussa wellsi a highly sought-after coral in the aquarium trade.

Care Tips

Blastomussa wellsi, commonly known as the Blastomussa Coral or Wellsi Coral, is a beautiful addition to any reef aquarium. Known for its large, colorful polyps, this coral can be relatively easy to care for with the right conditions.

The above information is specifically tailored to Blastomussa wellsi care and should help maintain a healthy, vibrant specimen in your aquarium. As always, ensure to monitor your coral closely for signs of stress or disease, and make any necessary adjustments to your care regimen.

Propagation

Blastomussa wellsi can be fragged by an aquarium hobbyist. However, while it is possible to frag Blastomussa wellsi, the process is not without its challenges.

Difficulty of Separation: Each polyp in a Blastomussa wellsi colony acts as an independent organism, so fragging involves cleanly separating one or more polyps from the rest of the colony. This requires a precise cut with a sharp instrument, which can be challenging for those who are not experienced.

Stress on the Coral: The process of fragging can cause significant stress to both the parent colony and the newly separated frag. If the coral is not in optimal health, or if the process is not done carefully, it could lead to the coral receding or even dying.

Slow Growth Rate: Blastomussa wellsi is a slow-growing coral, so it can take a significant amount of time for a frag to fully establish and grow. This requires a good deal of patience from the hobbyist.

while fragging Blastomussa wellsi is certainly possible, it requires precision, patience, and careful aftercare to ensure the health and success of both the parent colony and the new frag.

Notes

References

[GPT-4] LORAC Checked