More info
Datasheet
| Care Description | Stylophora are a branching small polyp stony coral (SPS) from the Family Pocilloporidae. It is commonly referred to as a Cat’s Paw Coral. They are less commonly seen than most other SPS for sale however they make a great addition to any high light, high flow reef system. Please see below for more care tips for Stylophora. |
| Water Flow | Strong |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Stylophora, commonly known as Cat's Paw Coral, are branching small polyp stony corals (SPS) from the Family Pocilloporidae. They exhibit unique coloration with polyps that can appear teal, purple, or pink depending on lighting, while the base is a deep purple. These corals are less commonly seen for sale but are a great addition to high light, high flow reef systems.
Demands and Hardiness
Stylophora thrive in moderate to high lighting conditions, with the best coloration brought out under intense LEDs. They prefer strong water flow, resembling the surge zones where they are often found in the wild. A recommended feeding method involves using liquid and powdery foods rich in Phytoplankton and Zooplankton particles.
Lighting
Medium to high lighting levels are ideal for enhancing the coloration of Stylophora corals. Intense LEDs have been shown to bring out the best hues in these corals, showcasing their unique teal, purple, and pink polyps.
Water Flow
Stylophora benefit from strong water movement due to their natural habitat in strong surge zones. Ensuring ample flow is crucial for the colony's growth, preventing stagnation and aiding in the circulation of nutrients.
Feeding
Stylophora corals feed on the smallest particles, such as Phytoplankton and Zooplankton, ranging from 20um to 1mm. Feeding with liquid and powdery foods is recommended, with a suggested method involving the use of cloudy supernate from thawed frozen food sprayed onto the colonies using a turkey baster.
Propagation
Stylophora is extensively propagated in captivity and is suitable for aquaculture. Branching SPS corals like Stylophora can exhibit different shapes and colors based on their location on the reef. It is recommended to start with frags to allow colonies to acclimate and grow optimally in a specific reef setup rather than introducing large colonies that may experience die-off.
Localization & Habitat
The Teal Stylophora species is found in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically on islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. In the wild, these corals thrive in strong surge zones, emphasizing the importance of replicating this high water movement in captive setups.