Button Coral – Scolymia vitiensis – Medium

Scolymia vitiensis is known as Button Coral as well as several other common names including Doughnut Coral, Meat Coral, and Artichoke Coral. They usually take the form of a large solitary polyp, but can vary with multiple oral openings or by forming clusters. They are similar in structure to Cynarina and Acanthophyllia corals, but they lack the dramatic tissue extension and the large, toothy ridges in their skeletal structure.

Button corals are variable in color and shape, but they typically form somewhat flat, plate-like growth. They may be solid green or red, and in some rare cases solid orange in color, or they may be multicolored with a different color in the center or a striped or mottled pattern.

These corals are hardy and undemanding. They can be placed in low to moderate flow areas of the tank, and require moderate lighting. Handle them with care so the toothy skeleton does not damage the soft flesh.