Blastomussa merletti (Red/Green)
A variant of Blastomussa (Blastomussa wellsi)
Representative Blastomussaphoto — a dedicated image of this exact morph isn't available yet.
The small-polyp species (sometimes called pineapple coral): tight clusters of penny-sized polyps that usually max out around 1 inch, most often red with green centers. Grows on stalks rather than encrusting over rock like wellsi.
📜 Backstory
Wild-collected and aquacultured *Blastomussa merletti*, the genus's other mainstay species, sold by vendors such as Bulk Reef Supply (ECC line), LiveAquaria and Pacific East Aquaculture. It is distinguished from wellsi by its much smaller polyps and stalk-forming growth, and is most commonly found in red-and-green combos.
Keeper tips for this variant
Keep it in low light and low-to-moderate flow on the sandbed or lower rock so the small polyps inflate; supplemental feeding of fine meaty or planktonic foods helps fuel the dense polyp cluster.