Description
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Scientific Name: Blastomussa wellsi
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Common Names: Blasto Coral, Blastomussa, Wellsi Blasto
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Family: Mussidae
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Origin: Indo-Pacific — especially around Australia, Indonesia, and Fiji
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Appearance:
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Dome-like colonies with large, fleshy polyps and clearly defined mouths
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Each polyp sits atop a stony skeleton but grows closely packed, creating a puffy, flower-like look
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Found in vibrant colors: red, green, teal, blue, purple, and even rainbow varieties
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Growth Form: Encrusting or dome-shaped, slow to moderate growth
Care Requirements
Lighting
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Low to Moderate PAR (50–120)
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Does best in shaded or lower areas of the tank—strong light can cause tissue recession or bleaching
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Ideal under T5s or LEDs with soft intensity; acclimate if changing lighting
Water Flow
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Low to Moderate flow
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Gentle, indirect current preferred to avoid polyp damage while keeping detritus from settling
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Too much flow = retracted polyps
Placement
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Ideal on sand bed or lower rockwork, away from high flow and aggressive corals
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Needs space—it has short sweepers, but should still be given breathing room
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Works great in nano reefs and mixed tanks due to its compact size and peaceful nature
Maintenance & Behavior
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Regular water changes to maintain trace elements
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Monitor for pests like flatworms and nudis
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Doesn’t tolerate rapid swings in parameters—stable tank = happy Blasto
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Fragging is possible with a saw, but handle gently—each polyp has its own skeleton
Cool Facts
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Unlike Blastomussa merleti (its cousin), wellsi has larger and puffier polyps
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Some colonies can take on a chalice-like shape over time
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Can be a centerpiece in nano tanks or form part of an LPS garden in larger reefs
Pro Tips
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If polyps are tightly closed for days, check flow and lighting first.
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Don't overfeed—Blastos can get bloated or retract from leftover food sitting on them.
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Keep nutrients balanced—extremely low nutrients may dull coloration or slow growth.
