ORA Stellar Stylophora Coral

Aquacultured Stylophora Coral

Stylophora is a branching SPS (small polyp stony) coral in the family Pocilloporidae. The best-known species, Stylophora pistillata, is often called cat's paw coral for its thick, rounded branch tips. Stylophora coral grows into compact, bushy colonies covered in tiny polyps that are often extended, giving the colony a soft, fuzzy look.

Because it tends to be more forgiving than many other branching SPS, Stylophora is a popular stepping stone for reefers moving up from soft corals and LPS. Our Stylophora for sale are aquacultured in Florida, so each frag arrives already adapted to life in a captive reef.

Stylophora Care at a Glance

Water Chemistry for Stylophora

As a stony coral, Stylophora builds its skeleton from calcium and carbonate, so calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium drive new branch growth. Stability matters as much as the numbers: steady alkalinity and temperature help prevent the paling and tissue loss that can follow sudden swings. Test regularly and make small, consistent dosing adjustments rather than large corrections.

Lighting Your Stylophora

T5 fluorescents, metal halides, and LEDs can all grow Stylophora when they provide proper light intensity. We recommend a 14–20K color spectrum for the best coloration. Start a new frag lower in the tank or toward the edge of the light field, then move it up gradually as it shows steady color and polyp extension.

Water Flow

Moderate to high flow keeps detritus off the fine polyps and carries food particles past the colony. Varied, turbulent flow works better than a single stream blasting one side, which can keep polyps retracted. As the colony branches out, check that water still moves through its center.

Placement

Mount your new coral using IC gel glue, putty, or a combination of both. Place it on a rock or ledge that receives direct lighting and ample flow, and leave room for the colony to branch outward. Stylophora does not rely on long sweeper tentacles, so it is more likely to be stung by aggressive neighbors than to sting them.

What We Feed Our Stylophora

Stylophora gets much of its energy from photosynthesis through its symbiotic zooxanthellae, but supplemental feeding supports growth and color. We recommend feeding hard corals a combination of zooplankton, phytoplankton, amino acids, and other organic proteins. A daily broadcast feeding while your return and circulation pumps are stopped gives corals the chance to capture the nutrients they need. Our recommended feeds:

• Reef Genetics lab-cultured phytoplankton
• Polyp Lab ReefRoids
• Benepets BeneReef

Coloration and Settling In

Stylophora color depends on lighting, nutrition, and water stability. A new frag may pale slightly or pause its growth while it adjusts to your lighting. Hold conditions steady and give it time before moving it again.

Common Stylophora Challenges

• Tissue loss: usually linked to unstable alkalinity, temperature swings, or declining water quality
• Bleaching: caused by sudden increases in light intensity or temperature; acclimate gradually
• Retracted polyps: often a sign of flow that is too direct or a recent change in conditions
• Stings from neighbors: keep the colony clear of corals with sweeper tentacles

How We Grow Our Stylophora

Our Stylophora frags are aquacultured in Florida. All corals grown in our aquaculture facility are lit by EcoTech Marine Radion XR30s and powered by a mix of EcoTech Marine Vortech pumps and Sicce wavemakers.

How to Acclimate a Stylophora Frag

1. Temperature: float the sealed bag in your aquarium to equalize temperature.
2. Water: slowly add your tank water to the bag so the coral can adjust to your parameters.
3. Mounting: attach the frag with IC gel glue, putty, or both.
4. Lighting: start in a less intense spot and move the frag up gradually over a few weeks.