Green Stylophora
Green Stylophora coral has rounded branches with blunt ends that differentiate it from other closely related small stony polyp corals. Green Stylophora can be a beautiful, vibrant green color, which can be more intense or subdued depending on the lighting it is exposed to. This coral can also appear in red, pink and brown as well. The stalks of the Stylophora have bulbous ends make it an extremely interesting coral to add to saltwater marine aquariums.
Green Stylophora in Aquariums
Green Stylophora is considered a moderately difficult coral to maintain in an aquarium and should only be incorporated into an already established, mature reef setting. It will require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water, and a strong water flow. 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.
Green Stylophora Origins
Also called Cat's Paw, Club Finger, Cluster, Brush or Bird's Nest Coral, Green Stylophora is extremely adaptable to a variety of different conditions. Stylophora 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.
Green Stylophora Aggressiveness
Green Stylophora has sweeper tentacles that reach out at night for feeding and may damage other corals in the marine environment. Stylophora coral needs several inches of space between it and its neighboring coral in a tank. It is still considered a peaceful type of coral, but Green Stylophora are considered semi-aggressive as well due to those sweeper tentacles.
Feeding Green Stylophora
Green Stylophora coral 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. Green Stylophora coral can also benefit from finely ground meaty foods in the consistency of paste.
Green Stylophora Overview
Experts consider the Green Stylophora 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, Green Stylophora can be an excellent addition to the marine coral reef aquarium.
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