Stylophora Pistillata Coral
Stylophora Pistillata coral has rounded branches with blunt ends that differentiate it from other closely related small stony polyp corals. Stylophora Pistillata is usually a beautiful, rich pink color, which can be more intense or subdued depending on the lighting it is exposed to. This coral can also appear in red, green and brown as well. The stalks of the Stylophora Pistillata coral has bulbous ends make it an extremely interesting coral to add to saltwater marine aquariums.
Stylophora Pistillata In Aquariums
Stylophora Pistillata coral 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 Pistillata 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.
Stylophora Pistillata Origin
Also called Cat's Paw, Club Finger, Cluster, Brush or Bird's Nest Coral, Stylophora Pistillata is extremely adaptable to a variety of different conditions. 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.
Stylophora Pistillata Aggressiveness
Stylophora Pistillata coral 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 Stylophora Pistillata are considered semi-aggressive as well due to those sweeper tentacles.
Feeding Stylophora Pistillata
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. Stylophora Pistillata coral can also benefit from finely ground meaty foods in the consistency of paste.
Stylophora Pistillata Overview
Experts consider the Stylophora Pistillata 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.
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