Stylophora pistillata (Green polyp) | L

Stylophora pistillata (Green Polyp) is a popular small polyp stony (SPS) coral known for its bushy, branching growth and vivid green polyps that add a splash of colour to any reef tank. This large specimen is perfect for aquarists with some SPS experience looking to enhance their coral collection with a hardy and visually striking coral.

Lighting Requirements: Moderate to high lighting is recommended to maintain vibrant coloration and healthy growth. LED or T5 lighting systems that provide a PAR range of 200-400 µmol/m²/s are ideal.

Water Flow: Moderate to strong, turbulent water flow helps prevent detritus accumulation and supports optimal coral health.

Placement: Place this coral in the mid to upper regions of the aquarium to ensure adequate light exposure and water movement. Maintain sufficient spacing from neighbouring corals to avoid aggressive interactions, as Stylophora can exhibit some territorial behaviour.

Care Level: Moderate. While generally hardy, this SPS coral benefits from stable water parameters and consistent maintenance.

Diet: Primarily photosynthetic via symbiotic zooxanthellae, but will also benefit from occasional feeding of fine particulate foods such as phytoplankton or specialised coral foods.

Reef Compatibility: Yes, with adequate spacing to prevent coral warfare.

Additional Notes: Regular monitoring of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels is essential to support skeletal growth. Avoid sudden changes in lighting or water flow to reduce stress.