Red Blastomussa Wellsi

The Red Blastomussa Wellsi is a colorful LPS coral prized for its large, fleshy polyps and rich red coloration. Commonly called a Blasto, this coral provides bold color without requiring the intense lighting or high flow associated with many other reef-building corals.

Blastomussa are popular with both newer reef keepers and experienced collectors because of their relatively forgiving care requirements, attractive feeding response, and ability to develop into impressive colonies over time.

Red Blastomussa Wellsi Care

Scientific Name: Blastomussa wellsi
Common Name: Red Blasto / Blastomussa Wellsi
Coral Type: LPS (Large Polyp Stony Coral)
Care Level: Easy–Moderate
Lighting: Low–Moderate
PAR: 50–120
Water Flow: Low–Moderate
Placement: Lower–Middle
Temperament: Generally Peaceful
Growth Form: Fleshy polyps forming colonies
Feeding: Photosynthetic; benefits from supplemental feeding

Lighting & Placement

Red Blastomussa Wellsi generally performs best under low to moderate reef lighting. A PAR range of approximately 50–120 is a good starting point, with gradual acclimation recommended when moving the coral into stronger lighting.

The lower portion of the aquarium is typically an excellent placement, either on stable rockwork or near the sand bed.

Too much light can cause Blastomussa to remain contracted or lose some of its rich coloration, so avoid immediately placing a new colony in a high-PAR area.

Water Flow

Provide low to moderate, indirect water movement. The coral should receive enough flow to prevent debris from settling between its polyps without having its fleshy tissue continuously blasted by a powerhead.

When properly positioned, the polyps should remain full and inflated rather than being pushed aggressively to one side.

Feeding Red Blastomussa

Blastomussa receive much of their energy from their photosynthetic symbiotic algae, but they can also capture food directly.

Occasional target feeding with appropriately sized foods such as mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine foods, or quality LPS coral foods can support healthy growth and polyp development.

Why Choose a Red Blastomussa Wellsi?

The combination of large fleshy polyps, deep red coloration, relatively modest lighting requirements, and manageable care makes the Red Blastomussa Wellsi an excellent choice for mixed reefs and LPS-focused aquariums.

As the coral grows, new polyps can develop around the original heads, gradually creating a larger and more impressive Blasto colony.

Available from Island Reef Aquatics with local pickup and shipping available.