Pistillata stylophora
Stylophora pistillata
Family : Pocilloporidae
The Stylophora is a branching SPS coral highly valued in reef aquariums for its fast growth and vibrant colors. It requires intense lighting and stable water conditions.
Description
Stylophora pistillata forms bushy colonies with thick, rounded branches reaching 30–40 cm in diameter. The polyps are small, retractable, and coloration ranges from pink to purple, sometimes green or brown. Branch tips are often lighter. This species has stinging sweeper tentacles that extend at night to defend its space. There is no obvious sexual dimorphism, but asexual reproduction via fragmentation is common.
Habitat
Region :
This coral is primarily found on upper reef slopes and well-lit areas of coral reefs. It colonizes hard substrates in lagoons and reef flats, often in turbulent waters. It occurs down to 30 meters depth but prefers shallow, light-rich waters. It forms dense, branching colonies that provide shelter for many fish and invertebrates.
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
Minimum tank size 100 liters, with intense lighting (LED or metal halide) and moderate to strong flow. Parameters: temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026, calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1250-1350 ppm, KH 8-12 dKH, nitrates <5 ppm, phosphates <0.05 ppm. Feeding: photosynthetic, but may benefit from phytoplankton or fine zooplankton. Beware of stinging tentacles: space at least 10 cm from other corals. Sensitive to parameter fluctuations.
Similar species
Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance
