Red Blasto (Blastomussa sp.)

The Red Blasto, Blastomussa sp., is a colourful large polyp stony coral, admired for its rich red tissue, rounded fleshy polyps and bold reef aquarium presence. Commonly known as Blasto Coral, Pineapple Coral or Blastomussa Coral, this species is popular for its attractive inflated polyps, manageable care requirements and ability to add strong colour to lower-light areas of a reef aquarium. It is generally hardy once settled, making it a brilliant choice for a mature reef aquarium with stable parameters, gentle flow and modest lighting.

Common Name:
Red Blasto, Red Blastomussa, Blasto Coral, Blastomussa Coral, Pineapple Coral.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Blastomussa sp.
Common aquarium forms may include Blastomussa wellsi or Blastomussa merletti depending on supplier identification.

Coral Type:
LPS Coral

Growth Form:
Fleshy polyp growth form with rounded corallites and inflated tissue. Some forms grow as larger individual polyps, while others form smaller clustered heads.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Blastomussa-style corals are found in Indo-Pacific reef habitats, often growing in lower-light reef zones, shaded reef areas, reef slopes and calmer hard-bottom habitats. In aquariums, they are best placed where the polyps can expand without being blasted by flow or crowded by aggressive neighbouring corals.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nitrate: Low but detectable
Phosphate: Low but detectable

Lighting:
Medium
Red Blasto generally does best under low to moderate reef lighting. Avoid placing it directly under intense lighting without acclimation, as excessive light can cause tissue stress, fading or poor expansion. Lower-to-middle placement with gradual light acclimation is usually safest.

Flow:
Low
Gentle, indirect flow is ideal. Flow should be enough to keep the coral clean and prevent detritus from settling between the polyps, but not strong enough to constantly fold, compress or retract the fleshy tissue.

Placement:
Best placed on stable lower rockwork or a secure lower-to-middle area of the aquarium. Avoid sharp rock contact against the fleshy tissue and allow space around the coral so the polyps can inflate fully without being irritated by neighbouring corals.

Temperament / Aggression:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Red Blasto is generally less aggressive than many LPS corals, but it should still be given space from neighbouring corals to prevent irritation, shading or accidental stinging from more aggressive species.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but benefits from feeding
This coral receives much of its energy from lighting through its symbiotic zooxanthellae, but it can benefit from occasional target feeding. Suitable foods include mysis shrimp, finely chopped meaty marine foods, LPS pellets, reef roids-style foods and specialist coral feeds. Feed when the polyps are open and feeding tentacles are visible.

Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate
Growth is usually steady in stable reef systems with consistent alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, lighting and flow. Regular feeding can support fuller tissue, stronger colour and improved growth.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, stable reef aquarium with gentle flow, modest lighting and consistent water chemistry. Avoid sudden swings in alkalinity, salinity or lighting intensity. The fleshy tissue can be damaged by rough handling, sharp rockwork or excessive direct flow. Dip and acclimate carefully before adding to the aquarium, and monitor for tissue recession, poor inflation, pest irritation or competition from neighbouring corals.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate reefkeepers

Availability:
Regularly available in the coral trade / Availability can vary depending on colour intensity, pattern, supplier naming and season.

All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.

Blasto

Red Blasto - Blastomussa sp.