Stylophora
Stylophora coral is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral that is native amongst the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including Figi, Tonga, Solomon Islands ad the Great Barrier Reef. Also called Cat's Paw, Club Finger, Cluster, Brush or Bird's Nest Coral, Stylophora is extremely adaptable to a variety of different conditions.
Stylophora Appearance
Stylophora coral has rounded branches with blunt ends that differentiate it from other closely related small stony polyp corals. Stylophora is usually a beautiful pink color, but can also appear in red, green and brown as well. The stalks of the Stylophora with bulbous ends make it an extremely interesting coral to add to saltwater marine aquariums.
Stylophora In Aquariums
Stylophora is considered a moderately difficult coral to maintain in an aquarium setting and should only be incorporated into an already established, mature reef setting. To maintain its bright colors, Stylophora requires a strong lighting source, preferably provided by metal halides, but may also do well with intense power compact or T-5 fluorescent lighting as well. For continued good health, it will require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. Stylophora also needs strong water flow.
Feeding Stylophora
Stylophora relies heavily on the products of its zooxanthellae, but it may benefit from the addition of phytoplankton as a food source. While the coral itself may consume some phytoplankton, the real benefit of this feeding method is the increased population of rotifers that feed on the phytoplankton. Stylophora can also benefit from finely ground meaty foods in the consistency of paste.
Stylophora Aggressiveness
As with many small stony polyp corals, Stylophora has sweeper tentacles that reach out at night for feeding and may damage other corals in the marine environment. Stylophora needs several inches of speace between it and its neighboring coral in a tank. It is still considered a peaceful type of coral, but Stylophora are considered semi-aggressive as well due to those sweeper tentacles.
Stylophora Overview
Experts consider the Stylophora coral to be moderately difficult for hobbyists to maintain in an aquarium environment. Stylophora requires specific feeding, water current, lighting and mineral content in order to keep it in optimum health. If given the right atmosphere in which to thrive, Stylophora can be an excellent addition to the marine coral reef aquarium. Its bright colors and interesting shape make it a favorite amongst long-time saltwater reef keepers.
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