Easily mistaken for an anemone at first glance,Heliofungia actiniformisis a large-polyp stony (LPS) coral that can be an excellent option for reefkeepers with modest-sized systems. Even relative newcomers to the reefkeeping hobby can succeed with this species, provided they make the effort to satisfy its few special care requirements.
Physical traits
Commonly known as the long-tentacled plate coral or disk coral,H. striformis（其属的唯一成员）具有与圆盘形的骨骼非常相似Fungiaspp. cousins. However, as its common name implies, it differs in having much longer tentacles that are usually brown or green with bulbous, contrastingly colored (typically white or pink) tips, giving this coral a decidedly anemone-like appearance. It also produces long sweeper tentacles, with which it can sting neighboring cnidarians, and can inflate its tissues to surprising dimensions.
Lighting and water movement
H. striformisprefers moderate- to high-intensitylightingschemes as well as low to medium levels of water flow. You want just enough turbulentwater movement为了保持触角轻轻摇摆并帮助动物摆脱碎屑，而不是直接直接爆炸的线性电流，这会压力动物，并可能使其保持触角缩回。
Aquarium placement
This Indo-Pacific species is naturally solitary and free-living and, thus, belongs at the bottom of the tank on a sand or rubblesubstrate，不是在岩石上高处的地方。另外，请确保在其与任何其他无脊椎动物之间至少允许其范围至少6到8英寸的空间，以防止其刺痛（或更糟的是，它的邻居）。最后一点至关重要，因为该物种在与侵略性侵略珊瑚的任何刺痛匹配中可能会出现失败者。
Of course, the system this species resides in must be big enough and aquascaped such to satisfy its need for substrate placement and ample “elbow room.” Thus, shorter, wider tanks are generally better choices than taller, narrower ones for housingH. striformis.
Feeding
ThoughH. striformisis zooxanthellate (meaning that given proper lighting, it derives much of the nutrition it needs from the photosynthetic zooxanthellae residing in its tissues), it tends to fare best in captivity when given regular supplemental feedings. Small, meaty food items, such as mysids or chopped fish, crustacean, or mollusk flesh, should be offered at least once weekly.
