Aussie Blasto Merletti – Australian Blastomussa LPS Coral

About This Coral

Bring stunning color and texture to your saltwater aquarium with the Aussie Blasto Merletti, a beautiful large-polyp stony (LPS) coral prized for its vibrant coloration, compact fleshy polyps, and distinctive branching skeletal structure.

Scientifically known as Blastomussa merletti, this Australian coral is a favorite among reef aquarium enthusiasts for its attractive appearance and relatively manageable care requirements.

Unlike its larger-polyped relative, Blastomussa wellsi, the Aussie Blasto Merletti develops clusters of smaller, rounded polyps supported by individual tubular skeletal branches. As the colony matures, these closely grouped polyps can form a colorful, bouquet-like appearance.

Australian Blastomussa varieties may display brilliant combinations of red, pink, green, purple, and contrasting fluorescent centers. Their color patterns can appear especially striking under blue-spectrum reef aquarium lighting.

The Aussie Blasto Merletti is particularly appealing to hobbyists who enjoy collecting colorful LPS corals without requiring the intense lighting or water movement preferred by some other reef species.

Its compact growth form makes it an attractive choice for established mixed reef aquariums, LPS coral gardens, and carefully planned rockwork displays.

With stable water conditions, appropriate lighting, gentle water circulation, and occasional supplemental feeding, this beautiful coral can develop into an impressive colony.

Individual specimens vary naturally in coloration, size, and polyp count. Multiple frags may be available depending on current inventory.

Features

• Australian Blastomussa variety sought after for attractive color patterns.
• Small, fleshy LPS polyps form distinctive clusters.
• Branching tubular skeleton distinguishes Merletti from larger-polyped Blastomussa varieties.
• Beautiful color combinations may include red, green, pink, and purple.
• Fluorescent appearance under reef lighting adds visual interest to aquarium displays.
• Low-to-moderate lighting preference accommodates many reef aquarium setups.
• Gentle-to-moderate water flow supports healthy polyp expansion.
• Relatively peaceful temperament makes it suitable for carefully planned mixed reef displays.
• Photosynthetic coral that receives energy from symbiotic algae.
• Accepts supplemental feeding of appropriately sized marine foods.
• Gradual colony development as new polyps grow.
• Great for LPS coral gardens alongside appropriately spaced peaceful corals.
• Suitable for attentive beginners and intermediate hobbyists with established aquariums.
• Unique individual specimens feature naturally varying coloration and growth patterns.
• Excellent collector coral for hobbyists expanding their Blastomussa collection.

Specifications

Recommended Water Parameters

These are general husbandry guidelines for Blastomussa merletti, not guaranteed parameters for every individual specimen. Maintaining consistent water chemistry is more important than pursuing exact numbers.

Lighting Requirements

The Aussie Blasto Merletti typically does best under low-to-moderate reef aquarium lighting.

A starting intensity of approximately 50–100 PAR can be suitable for many specimens, although some may tolerate somewhat brighter conditions after gradual acclimation.

Excessive lighting can cause bleaching, reduced polyp expansion, or tissue stress.

Lighting Recommendations

• Begin newly introduced frags in a lower-light location.
• Increase lighting gradually when necessary.
• Observe polyp expansion and coloration.
• Avoid abrupt changes in lighting intensity.
• Use an appropriate reef lighting schedule.

Blue-spectrum lighting can emphasize the coral’s fluorescent pigments, but balanced lighting and stable conditions remain important for long-term health.

Water Flow Requirements

The Aussie Blasto Merletti generally prefers gentle to moderate, indirect water circulation.

Appropriate water movement helps transport nutrients, remove waste, and keep debris from settling around the colony.

Avoid directing a strong pump or powerhead straight at the coral.

Excessive flow can prevent the fleshy polyps from fully expanding and may damage delicate tissue.

Choose a location where water moves around the colony without causing harsh or continuous tissue movement.

Feeding and Nutrition

Like many LPS corals, the Aussie Blasto Merletti is photosynthetic and receives much of its energy from symbiotic algae living within its tissues.

However, it can also capture and consume small marine foods.

Supplemental feeding may support healthy growth and tissue development when performed appropriately.

Suitable Foods

• Finely chopped mysis shrimp
• Small marine meaty food particles
• Appropriate powdered coral foods
• Small zooplankton-based preparations
• Coral foods designed for small-polyped LPS species

Recommended Feeding Schedule

Offer small portions approximately once or twice per week, adjusting feeding frequency according to the coral’s response and aquarium nutrient levels.

A feeding pipette or similar tool can help deliver food near the polyps.

Temporarily reducing water circulation during feeding may help prevent food from being carried away.

Avoid large food pieces and excessive feeding that can negatively affect water quality.

Placement and Coral Compatibility

Ideal Placement

The Aussie Blasto Merletti is well suited to lower and middle areas of many established reef aquariums.

Suitable locations may include:

• Protected lower rockwork
• Stable frag racks
• Sheltered ledges
• Carefully selected areas near the sand bed
• Dedicated LPS coral gardens

Choose a location that provides appropriate lighting, gentle water movement, and room for future growth.

Mixed Reef Compatibility

Blastomussa Merletti is generally considered peaceful compared with many aggressive LPS species.

However, neighboring corals may sting or damage its fleshy polyps.

Maintain sufficient separation from aggressive varieties such as certain Euphyllia, Galaxea, and other corals capable of extending stinging tentacles.

Colony Growth

As the coral develops, additional polyps may form along its branching skeletal structure.

A mature colony can create an attractive cluster of colorful polyps.

Growth depends on lighting, nutrition, stable water chemistry, and overall aquarium conditions.

Acclimation and Introduction Instructions

1. Inspect the shipment: Examine the coral and shipping container immediately upon arrival.
2. Verify aquarium parameters: Confirm temperature, salinity, and water chemistry are stable.
3. Equalize temperature: Carefully bring the sealed shipping container toward the aquarium’s temperature.
4. Follow appropriate acclimation procedures: Avoid leaving coral unnecessarily long in opened shipping water.
5. Inspect for pests: Examine the coral skeleton, frag plug, and exposed surfaces.
6. Use a suitable coral dip if appropriate: Follow the dip manufacturer’s instructions and verify compatibility with Blastomussa.
7. Quarantine when possible: A separate observation system can help reduce the introduction of coral pests.
8. Begin under gentle conditions: Position the coral in appropriate low-to-moderate lighting and indirect flow.
9. Allow recovery time: Polyps may remain contracted temporarily after shipping.
10. Monitor closely: Observe tissue expansion, coloration, and signs of irritation.

Never pour coral dip or shipping water directly into the display aquarium.

Signs of a Healthy Aussie Blasto Merletti

A healthy specimen commonly displays:

• Rounded, fleshy polyps that expand under suitable conditions
• Consistent coloration appropriate to the individual coral
• Tissue covering the living portions of its skeleton
• Normal feeding responses when appropriate food is offered
• Gradual development of additional polyps over time

Temporary contraction after shipping or handling can be normal.

However, persistent tissue recession, exposed skeleton where tissue was previously present, or progressive discoloration may indicate stress or poor environmental conditions.

Important Product Information

The Aussie Blasto Merletti is a live LPS coral intended for established saltwater reef aquariums.

The Australian designation describes the coral’s advertised origin or trade classification. Individual specimens may vary considerably in appearance.

Aqua SD offers this product under the name Aussie Blasto Merletti – Multiples Available.

Unless a particular specimen is explicitly identified as WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), product photographs should be considered examples rather than guarantees of the exact frag delivered.

Frag size, polyp count, and coloration depend on the specimen available.

Colors may also appear different under white versus blue aquarium lighting.

This coral requires stable marine water conditions and is not suitable for freshwater aquariums.

Availability and Pricing

We ship daily, contact us for availability and price.

Recommended Application

The Aussie Blasto Merletti is an excellent addition to established reef aquariums, colorful LPS coral gardens, and collections featuring unique Australian coral varieties.

With its compact clustered polyps, attractive coloration, gentle water-flow preference, and manageable care requirements, this coral offers a beautiful combination of visual appeal and fascinating natural growth for reef enthusiasts.