Introduction to Stylophora

Stylophora coral, often referred to as Cat's Paw corals, are a vibrant type of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral known for their dense, compact branches and striking colors. They are available in a range of hues, including pinks, purples, greens, and yellows, often with a fluorescent glow under actinic lighting.

Stylophora are considered an excellent introductory SPS coral, making them a great choice for hobbyists looking to explore the world of SPS corals. They are hardy and adaptable but still thrive best in stable environments with moderate to high lighting and consistent water flow. With their bold colors and unique growth patterns, Stylophora corals bring texture and movement to any reef tank.

Natural Habitat and Origin

Stylophora are native to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, including regions such as the Red Sea, Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef. They are typically found in shallow reef zones, where they are exposed to strong lighting and moderate to high water flow.

In the wild, Stylophora grow on reef slopes and flats, forming dense, compact branches that provide shelter for a variety of marine life. Their adaptability to varying light and flow conditions makes them a resilient choice for reef aquariums, provided their environmental needs are met.

Water Chemistry

Stylophora corals thrive in stable water conditions, which are essential for their health and vibrant coloration. As an SPS coral, they are more sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters, making consistent maintenance a priority.

Ideal Parameters:

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrates: 2–10 ppm
• Phosphates: <0.03 ppm
• Temperature: 76–80°F
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

Maintaining low nutrient levels and consistent water quality is critical for Stylophora corals to thrive. Regular water changes and parameter testing will ensure they remain healthy and display their vibrant colors.

Lighting

Stylophora do well under moderate to high lighting conditions, requiring a PAR range of 200–350 for optimal health and coloration. Proper lighting encourages strong growth and enhances their vibrant hues, making them a standout in reef tanks.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use advanced lighting systems like Ecotech Marine Radions, T5 setups, and metal halides to provide the precise spectrum and intensity Stylophora corals need. Blue-spectrum lighting is particularly effective at bringing out their fluorescent tones.

When introducing Stylophora corals to your tank, it’s important to acclimate them gradually to avoid light stress. Start with a shaded or lower-light area and slowly increase exposure over 2–3 weeks, ensuring they adapt comfortably to their new environment.

Water Flow

Stylophora thrive in moderate to strong, randomized water flow, which helps deliver nutrients and removes detritus from their compact branches. Consistent flow is essential to prevent the accumulation of debris, which can hinder growth and lead to tissue stress.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use advanced flow systems such as Ecotech Marine MP pumps, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse systems, and Sicce pumps to replicate the natural reef conditions that Stylophora corals require. These setups ensure that water movement reaches all areas of the coral, promoting healthy growth and polyp extension.

When placing Stylophora corals in your tank, ensure they are positioned in areas with steady, indirect flow to maintain their health and support their branching growth patterns.

What We Feed

This SPS relies primarily on its symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy, converting light into nutrients through photosynthesis. While it doesn’t require supplemental feeding, occasional additions of small-particle planktonic foods can support growth and enhance coloration.

Recommended Foods:

• Tisochrysis
• Rhodomonas
• Tetraselmis
• Products like Reef Roids and Benepets Coral Food

Feeding is best done by broadcasting small amounts of food into the water column near the colony. This allows it to capture suspended particles naturally without requiring direct feeding. Pausing water flow for 10–15 minutes can improve nutrient uptake during feeding.

Coloration and Tank Maturity

Stylophora displays vibrant colors, including shades of pink, purple, green, and yellow. These tones are enhanced under blue-spectrum lighting, which highlights their fluorescent qualities. Maintaining proper water parameters, consistent lighting, and stable flow is essential for preserving their coloration.

While this coral can adapt to newer reef systems, it thrives in mature tanks with stable conditions. An established environment with balanced nutrients and consistent care promotes better growth, more intense colors, and healthier branching.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we grow Stylophora in controlled settings to ensure they develop strong coloration and robust growth, making them ready for your aquarium.

Common Challenges

Stylophora is a hardy SPS coral, but it can encounter challenges if tank conditions are not ideal:

• Bleaching: Sudden changes in lighting or exposure to excessive intensity can cause bleaching. Gradual acclimation to light is essential to avoid stress.
• Tissue Loss (STN/RTN): Slow Tissue Necrosis (STN) or Rapid Tissue Necrosis (RTN) can occur due to unstable water parameters or extreme stress. Consistent alkalinity, calcium, and nutrient levels are critical for prevention.
• Polyp Bailout: Extreme stress from poor water quality, rapid parameter fluctuations, or sustained physical damage can lead to polyp bailout. Stabilizing conditions and minimizing handling can prevent this issue.
• Algae Growth: Algae can grow on branches if water flow is insufficient or nutrient levels are elevated. Maintaining strong, indirect flow and balanced nutrients helps prevent algae buildup.

Acclimation Guide

Proper acclimation is essential to ensure Stylophora adjusts smoothly to its new environment. Follow these steps to minimize stress and promote healthy growth:

1. Temperature Acclimation: Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15–20 minutes to equalize the temperature. This helps prevent sudden temperature shocks.
2. Drip Acclimation: Gradually mix your tank water with the shipping water over 30–45 minutes using a drip line or small cup. This allows the coral to adjust to differences in salinity and water chemistry.
3. Lighting Acclimation: Stylophora requires moderate to high lighting, but sudden exposure to intense light can cause stress or bleaching. Begin by placing it in a shaded or lower-light area and gradually increase exposure over 2–3 weeks.
4. Placement: Secure the coral to rockwork or a frag plug in an area with moderate to strong water flow. Ensure the location allows for nutrient delivery and detritus removal without overwhelming its delicate structure.