Frag - Stylocoeniella

Stylocoeniella Coral (Stylocoeniella spp.) Common Names: Stylocoeniella, Mini-Star Coral, Honeycomb Coral Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Colour Form: Purple, Pink, Orange, Green, Yellow, Metallic Variants Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivorous Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 24-27°C, dKH 6-10, pH 7.8-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025 Max Size: Colonies can grow up to 15 cm or more across Family: Astrocoeniidae Overview Stylocoeniella Coral is a stunning small polyp stony (SPS) coral prized for its vibrant colours and intricate, star-like polyp structure. Found in the Indo-Pacific, including reefs around Australia, it is ideal for aquarists looking to add a splash of colour and texture to their tank. Stylocoeniella is relatively hardy for an SPS coral, making it a great choice for reefkeepers with some experience. Behaviour and Habitat Stylocoeniella Coral is peaceful and non-aggressive, allowing it to coexist easily with other corals in a reef tank. It grows as encrusting or plating colonies, forming a honeycomb-like pattern that is both visually striking and unique. In the wild, it is found in shallow reefs where it benefits from moderate flow and lighting. Tank Requirements Lighting: Moderate to high lighting, such as LED or T5 fixtures, to support its photosynthetic needs. Avoid excessive intensity that may lead to bleaching. Water Flow: Moderate to strong flow to prevent detritus buildup and provide oxygenation. Placement: Place on clean rockwork or flat surfaces where it can encrust and spread. Avoid direct placement on sandy substrate. Diet Stylocoeniella Coral primarily relies on photosynthesis from its symbiotic zooxanthellae but benefits from occasional supplemental feeding. Food Types: Powdered coral foods Phytoplankton Finely chopped zooplankton or marine snow Feeding Frequency: Target feed 1-2 times per week to encourage growth and maintain vibrant colouration. Reef Compatibility Stylocoeniella Coral is reef-safe and poses no risk to neighbouring corals or invertebrates. Ensure adequate space between it and aggressive corals to avoid potential damage from stinging tentacles. Compatibility Stylocoeniella Coral is compatible with most reef-safe tank inhabitants, including: Gobies Blennies Clownfish Wrasses Reef-safe shrimp, crabs, and snails Avoid housing with aggressive or coral-picking fish, such as large angelfish or butterflyfish. Care Tips Maintain stable water parameters, particularly calcium (380-450 ppm), magnesium (1250-1350 ppm), and alkalinity (6-10 dKH). Provide moderate to strong water flow to prevent debris accumulation and mimic its natural habitat. Ensure proper lighting intensity and spectrum to support its photosynthetic needs. Periodically clean the coral's surface to remove detritus or algae. Final Thoughts Stylocoeniella Coral is a captivating and hardy SPS coral, suitable for reefkeepers looking to enhance their tank's visual appeal. Its peaceful nature, intricate polyp structure, and vibrant colours make it a fantastic addition to a mixed reef. With stable water conditions and proper care, Stylocoeniella Coral will thrive and serve as a focal point in your aquarium. If you're looking to enhance your tank further, browse our collection of LPS Corals, SPS Corals, or Soft Corals.