Description
Stylophora originate from the Indo-Pacific. However, this Rainbow Stylophora is aquacultured by ORA. Instead of being collected from the ocean, these corals are grown in aquariums and then fragged to be sold to hobbyists such as yourself. Aquacultured corals come with many advantages that you can learn more about below.
The Rainbow Stylophora has a pink and green body with scattered, short purple polyps. It has a dense branching growth form that has a similar appearance to Seriatopora and Pocillopora.
Stylophora is not the best coral for new hobbyists, but it is still reasonable. The immense colors are well worth it. In case you are unfamiliar with this coral, we will go over the basic care requirements.
The lighting requirements for this coral are fairly simple. It can be placed under low to high light. Although low light is enough to keep the coral alive, the corals won’t be as pleasing. For the best coloration, you should keep the Rainbow Stylophora under full spectrum, medium to high lighting intensity. Before you place it under moderate or high light, you should acclimate it first. To start, place the coral in dim light. During a period of a few weeks to a month, gradually move the coral into higher light. Doing this will reduce the risk of bleaching and color loss.
Stylophora requires moderate to strong water flow. When the coral is small, moderate flow is enough, but it will require stronger flow as the colony expands. As the coral grows more branches, there will be an increased risk of trapping detritus, which is why more flow is needed. Water flow also provides needed ions and nutrients. If possible, create a random, irregular flow to eliminate dead spots and promote proper growth.
While stylophora is not as sensitive to water chemistry as corals like Acropora and Montipora, you should still aim for as much stability as possible. Large fluctuations in calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium can be devastating. Hobbyists tend to get in more trouble when dosing or supplementing these parameters too much rather than too little.
Stylophora are photosynthetic corals that do not require external feeding. However, they may benefit from dosing live phytoplankton and amino acids. Feeding can result in better coloration, faster growth, and greater overall health.
Keep your nitrates around 1-5 ppm and your phosphates as close to 0.01 ppm as possible but not 0. Maintain a stable temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Care requirements
Purchase Size: 1 – 2″
Placement: You can place this coral anywhere as long as its lighting and flow needs are met.
Lighting: Low to high.
Flow: Moderate to strong.
Parameters: 72-78° F, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 32-35 ppt
Calcium: 350-450 ppm
Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
Magnesium: 1,250-1,350 ppm
More Information
Because this Rainbow Stylophora is aquacultured by ORA, it is well adapted to aquarium life. This makes the coral hardier and easier to keep than corals collected from the wild. Aquacultured corals are also far less likely to carry pests, though you should still dip or quarantine them to be safe. On top of all that, these corals are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Do your part to protect our ocean’s beautiful, yet delicate reef environments by choosing aquacultured corals, fish, and inverts over wild collection.
