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Stylophora pistillata

 

The hardy Club Finger Coral larvae are travelers, and they reproduce on their journeys creating even more colonies!

 

The Club Finger Coral Stylophora pistillata is referred to as one of the 'tramp' species of corals. It has a vast range, from the Red Sea and eastern Africa, to Madagascar and the Indo-Pacific. Through sexual reproduction, its larvae once fertilized, are released into the water and can attach to floating objects. They can adhere to floating pieces of pumice or wood, develop new colonies, and release more larvae into the water. Colonies have been transported thousands of miles, reproducing on the way, and so contributing to their extremely wide distribution.

 

The Stylophora genus is one of the better known, and well studied groups of corals. The Club Finger Coral S. pistillata, also known as the Cat's Paw Coral, forms attractive branching colonies. They are wide spread in nature, fast growing, and can adapt to many conditions. The branches are flat and thick, with round blunt tips. The polyps are small, yet visible and extend at night in the wild, but both day and night in a captive reef. The colors they come in are cream, pink, blue, and greens.

 

The Club Finger Coral is one of the easier small polyp stony (SPS) corals to care for. It is a lot less demanding as far as lighting and water movement are concerned. They do best in bright lighting, which will bring out their natural colors, but can adapt to moderate lighting. In fact, they can survive under all types of light. Though quite hardy, they are still susceptible to recession, bleaching and other typical SPS coral diseases.

 

Scientific name  

Family: Pocilliporidae
   Species: Stylophora pistillata

 

Status  

The Stylophora pistillata is not on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species.

 

Aquarium Care :

 

Pristine tank conditions are typically needed to keep all SPS corals. Keep the nitrate levels low, maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels, and provide iron supplements. Typically you can do water changes of 20% a month, 10% biweekly or 5% weekly. It has been noted that 5% weekly water changes replenish many of the needed additives. With higher concentrations of coral with calcareous skeletons, there may be a need put in additional additives to maintain proper levels for good growth.

 

 The following water supplements are suggested for Stylophora species:

 

  • Calcium:  400 to 450 ppm. If a small poly stony (SPS) coral does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.

  • Alkalinity:  3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh, 10 is recommended)

  • Phosphates:  0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.

  • Magnesium:  1350 - 1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.

  • Strontium:  10

1-Bird's Nest Coral

Needle Coral, Brush Coral, Thorns of Christ Coral

 

Seriatopora hystrix

 

The intriguing Bird's Nest Coral doesn't house birds... it can have crabs!

 

The Bird's Nest Coral Seriatopora hystrix is not only very attractive, but in nature it also becomes the permanent residence of small crabs. Several species of crabs can modify the shape of the species in the Seriatoporagenus and some other types of corals.

 

A gall-forming crab called Hapalocarcinus marsupialis is one factor in the growth formation of the Seriatopora genus. The female crab will influence the growth of the thin branches to form a cage that permanently encloses her. The male crab, who is much smaller, can enter into the cage and mate with her. Thus the female spends her entire life in a self-imposed "jail", producing broods of larvae within her protective coral cage.

 

The Seriatopora genus has many species, yet the most popular are the Bird's Nest Coral S. hystrix and the Bush Coral S. caliendrum. They are both found under the common name Bird's Nest, but it is actually quite easy to tell them apart. S. hystrix has thinner branches that taper to a point, and are usually pink, blue or cream. S. caliendrum have thicker branches and they don't taper but are blunt, and are usually cream, brown or green in color.

 

The Seriatopora genus grow in a branch formation from a slender base. They intertwine into a twisted nest, with the branches fusing together as they touch in certain areas. The branches, depending on the wave action where they come from, can be thin or stout, and can be widely space or compact. The S. hystrix is often found in protected areas, and has delicate branches that taper into a point.

 

Both the Bird's Nest Coral S. hystrix and the Bush Coral S. caliendrum are moderate to care for. They have similar requirements; needing high light, moderate turbid water flow, and stable water parameters. They are very sensitive to acclimation and adaptation, but once stabilized, they grow quickly and can be propagated quite easily.

 

Scientific name : 

 

 Family: Pocilliporidae
   Species: Seriatopora hystrix

 

Distribution / Background  : 

 

 

Family: Pocilliporidae  

 

 

 

 

Description : 

 

What do Seriatopora Corals look like: The Seriatopora genus are arborescent, they grow in a branch formation from a slender base. In the wild, they will grow in the general direction of the water flow, with stronger water movement forming thicker branches. They intertwine into a twisted nest, with the branches fusing together as they touch in certain areas. The branches are all pointed and needle like or blunt. They can be thin or stout, and can be widely space or compact. They grow from 1 to 1.5 feet (30 - 46 cm)

 

 The colors of the Seriatopora genus can be orange, pink, brown, green and combinations and shades of these colors as well. The tips are generally lighter. The bright pink and pale colored specimens come from shallow water and need bright light.

Seriatopora Coral Information: The Seriatopora genus was described by Dana in 1846. There are 16 species and subspecies. Some common names these corals are know for are Bird's Nest Coral, Finger Coral, Needle Coral, Bush Coral, and Brush Coral. They have been successfully propagated in captivity.

 

The Bird's Nest Coral Seriatopora hystrix was also described by Dana in 1846. Some of the common names they are known for are Needle Coral, Brush coral, Thorns of Christ Coral, Birdsnest coral, Brush coral, and Thin Birdsnest Coral.

 

In a recent 2010 study of the genetic structure of the Bird's Nest Coral Seriatopora hystrix (found abundantly across a single reef), Pim Bongaerts and colleagues found that this coral actually consists of various genetically unique strains. The study entitled "Genetic Divergence across Habitats in the Widespread Coral Seriatopora hystrix and Its Associated Symbiodinium", found that there is a strong genetic partitioning with each strain isolated in three different habitats. Each strain is associated with a particular depth, and is not found at other depths. This indicates that corals may be much more adapted to a particular niche than previously thought.

 

 Where Seriatopora Corals Are Found: The Seriatopora genus are found in the Red Sea, and all along the east coast of Africa, then extending northeast to Madagascar, the Mauritius Islands, Cocos Island Ridge and then southeast to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands on Australia's west coast. The habitat extends around the northern coast and all the way to the Lord Howe Islands off the east coast of Australia. At Lord Howe Islands, it extends north east to Samoa, then northwest to the Phoenix Islands, Marshall Island and all the way to the Ogasawara-gunto Island, which are just east of the Ryukyu Islands. Continuing westward, they are found in Indonesia, and then from Andaman Islands, Maldives and Laccadive Islands, finishing westward back to the Red Sea.

 

Seriatopora Coral Habitat:The Seriatopora genus are found in depths from 0 to 131 feet (0 - 40 m) in shallow reefs and upper reef slopes. S. hystrix inhabit shallow reef environments throughout the full range of the genus at depths of 20 to 115 feet (6 - 25 m).

 

Status : 

 

 The following species from the Seriatopora genus are on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species:

 

  • Bird's Nest Coral S. hystrix: Least Concern (LC)

  • Bushy Coral S. caliendrum: Near Threatened (NT)

  • S. aculeata: Vulnerable (VU)

  • S. dendritica: Vulnerable (VU)

  • S. guttatus: Least Concern (LC)

  • S. stellata: Near Threatened (NT)

  • Bird's Nest Coral S. hystrix is usually brown with green or pink highlights, solid pink, purple, or yellow in color. The corals collected at greater depths where wave action is subdued are generally more delicate with thinner stalks. The branches are widely spaced or compact, depending on water flow. They have thinner branches that have needle like tips, and can to be quite dangerous to the unwary diver.

  • Bushy Coral S. caliendrum have thicker branches which don't taper but are blunt. They are usually cream, brown or green in color.

Aquarium Parameters :

 

 A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Bird's Nest Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. A mature tank is recommended.

 

Usually prefers bright light, but if it is collected at lower depths it may be sensitive. Place the coral in medium intensity light when first purchased and slowly increase the intensity over time. Make sure that no other corals can come in contact with your Seriatopora. Seriatopora spp. are mild mannered, but can be aggressive if touching other corals.

 

  • Minimum Tank Size / Length: 10 gallons (38 L) or larger

  • Marine Lighting: High lighting levels are best as these corals have zooxanthellae

  • Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)

  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

  • Water Movement: Moderate/turbulent.

  • Water Region: Top of the aquarium

Aquarium Care :

 

Pristine tank conditions are typically needed to keep all SPS corals. Keep the nitrate levels low, and maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels. Typically you can do water changes of 20% a month, 10% biweekly or 5% weekly. It has been noted that 5% weekly water changes replenish many of the needed additives. With higher concentrations of coral with calcareous skeletons, there may be a need put in additional additives to maintain proper levels for good growth.

 

  The following water supplements are suggested for Seriatopora species:

 

  • Calcium:  400 to 450 ppm. If a small poly stony (SPS) coral does not have enough calcium, it will not grow. (Seachem makes a calcium additive that states 385 as sufficient)

  • Alkalinity:  3.2 TO 4.8 MEQ/L (8 to 11 dKh, 10 is recommended)

  • Phosphates:  0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.

  • Magnesium:  1200 - 1350. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.

  • Strontium:  8 - 10

Difficulty of Care :

 

Seriatopora Coral Care: The S. hystrix is moderate to care for, yet this depends on the aquarists devotion to their coral. They are very sensitive to acclimation and adaptation to new water qualities, more so than others in this family. This leads to stress and disease, so acclimate them with care and patience.
 

The Bird's Nest Corals do well in aquariums and will grow rapidly once established. Water flow needs to be turbulent and moderate. Newly acquired thin branched specimens should not be exposed to a heavy water flow, or they will fail to adapt. Thicker branched specimens can tolerate stronger turbulent water flow. Linear flow is tolerated, but not suggested for long term health of the coral. Once acclimated, they are actually quite easy to care for if their water parameters are kept stable.

 

Foods / Feeding :

 

Seriatopora Coral Feeding: In the wild, Seriatopora corals have developed several feeding strategies. Through a symbiotic relationship with a marine algae, known as zooxanthellae, they receive the majority of their nutrients. They also capture planktonic organisms, food particles from the water column, and can absorb dissolved organic matter.

 

 In captivity, they do well in well-feed reef tanks. Like other SPS, they use their zooxanthellae for nutrition, but can be fed fine particulate foods like Marine Snow etc. once a week.

Compatibility and Social Behaviors :

 

Seriatopora are mild mannered corals, but can be aggressive if touching other corals.. Because of this, they must be placed away from other corals. The Seriatopora genus gets along with their own species and at times has small commensal crabs that inhabit their branches.

 

A gall-forming crab called Hapalocarcinus marsupialis is one factor in the growth formation of the Seriatoporagenus. The female crab will influence the growth of the thin branches to form a cage that permanently encloses her. The male crab, who is much smaller, can enter into the cage and mate with her. Thus the female spends her entire life in a self-imposed "jail", producing broods of larvae within her protective coral cage.

 

Sex - Sexual differences  :

 

 Colonies are male or female. It is possible that size is a factor as far as identifying them.

 

Breeding and Reproduction  :

 

The small polyp stony (SPS) corals are male and female and can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the wild they reproduce sexually by releasing eggs and sperm at the same time, resulting in a fertilized egg which then forms into a free-swimming planula larva. Eventually the planula larvae settles onto the substrate, becoming plankters. This then forms a tiny polyp which begins to excrete calcium carbonate and develops into a coral. Planula larvae are extremely vulnerable to predation, and very few survive. Seriatoporas reproduce asexually as well. In the wild Seriatoporas spread from breakage due to storms and fragmentation.

 

The Seriatopora genus has an additional peculiar method of asexual reproduction that was actually discovered in the aquarium, it is called 'polyp bailout'. This is where polyps will detach themselves from a dying colony, and these skeletonless polyps will then form new colonies by normal budding.

 

Propagation is very easy for Seriatopora corals. When sexually mature, they reproduce in aquaria, and can actually produce a much larger number of specimens that can be harvested. They are sexually mature in 2 to 3 years. Asexual fragmentation is the typical way to propagate, similar to Acropora.

 

First you need to choose a healthy coral that is not showing any signs of distress. Then, simply cut a branch at least 2" long and glue the frag to a plug or rock. You can use the 2-part epoxy or underwater putties. A little tip, don't glue frags upright since they will grow faster on their sides.The slime that the coral will exude should not come in contact with any other corals and gloves are suggested. Give the frag ample water flow.

 

Potential Problems :

 

 The Seriatopora spp. are generally disease resistant, but do not tolerate poor water conditions very well. They can get the same illnesses that any other small polyp stony (SPS) coral can get under poor conditions. In general, if yourS. hystrix has any kind of tissue recession, just cut off the healthy part. Just make sure you cut into some of the healthy part also, to be sure there is no disease encroaching on the healthy tissue. Also, keep out the cyanobacteria and algae with good water movement, and your Bird's Nest Coral will stay happy.

 

Availability :

 

 Seriatopora Corals for Sale: The Bird's Nest Coral S. hystrix is very easy to find at pet shops and on line. Online they can run about $49.00 to $90.000 USD or more depending on size and/or color. The Seriatopora genus has been propagated in captivity with great ease and it is always suggested to get your coral from captive bred stock.

 

References :

 

  • Animal-World References: Marine and Reef

  • Eric Borneman, Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History , TFH Publications, 2001

  • Anthony Calfo, Book of Coral Propagation, Volume 1 Edition 2: Reef Gardening for Aquarists, Reading Trees; 2nd edition, 2007

  • J.E.N. Veron, Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific , University of Hawaii Press; 2 Rev Ed edition, 1993

  • Ronald L. Shimek, Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species, Microcosm, 2005

  • Bob Goemans, Birds Nest Coral, Seriatopora hystrix, Animal Library, Saltwatercorner.com

  • Bongaerts, P, C Riginos, T Ridgway, EM Sampayo, MJH van Oppen, N Englebert, F Vermeulen and O Hoegh-Guldberg, Genetic Divergence across Habitats in the Widespread Coral Seriatopora hystrix and Its Associated Symbiodinium, PLoS ONE 5(5): e10871. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010871

2-Cauliflower Coral

Raspberry Coral, Lace Coral, Birdsnest Coral

 

With its fuzzy polyps extended, the Cauliflower Coral resembles, well... a head of cauliflower!

 

 The Pocillopora genus are found over a very wide range and in many diverse habitats. They are second only to the Acropora family as significant reef-building corals. They have a number of growth forms, even in the same habitat. Two different species can look very similar in deeper waters, yet those same two can be very different in formation in shallow locations. The Cauliflower CoralPocillopora damicornis gets around, it can be found in all the locations where the other species are found.

 

The Cauliflower Coral P. damicornis is the species from this group that is most commonly available to aquarists. They are propagated in captivity and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Its common names are derived from the tight clusters of branches topped with fuzzy polyps. Besides Cauliflower Coral, other common names include Raspberry Coral, Birdsnest Coral, and Lace Coral. This coral will conform to the water movement in your tank, taking on a thicker, tighter branch formation in more turbulent water or a thinner and more spaced formation with lower flow.

 

The Pocillopora genus is one of the better known, and well studied groups of corals. They are referred to as the experimental 'guinea pig' of the coral world. As a matter of fact, studies done on the Cauliflower Coral P. damicornisin 1928 during an expedition to the Great Barrier Reef, are where most of the early discoveries of the growth and reproduction of corals were made. Quite an important contributor to the advancement of knowledge about our oceans and their inhabitants.

 

The Cauliflower Coral Pocillopora damicornis is moderate to care for, since it can be sensitive when it comes to temperature changes, inefficient water flow, and stress from moving or shipping. This is somewhat surprising since they inhabit all types of environments in the wild, even areas of 'dirty' water. In captivity they do best in bright lighting, but they can adapt to moderate lighting. Moving them around the tank can cause stress, so if movement is needed, do it slowly. Once they become established they do become quite hardy.

Here is a brief .. For more information click on the primary name ..

3-Club Finger Coral

Cat's Paw Coral, Smooth cauliflower coral, Pistil Coral

Scientific name   Family: Pocilliporidae
   Species: Pocillopora damicornis

 

Status :

The Pocillopora damicornis is not on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species.

 

-Calcium:  400 to 450 ppm. If a small poly stony (SPS) coral does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
-Alkalinity:  3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh, 10 is recommended)
-Phosphates:  0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
-Magnesium:  1350 - 1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, ---check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
-Strontium:  10

 

Aquarium Parameters :

 

A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Cauliflower Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. They need a strong water flow and dissolved nutrients. A mature tank is recommended.

 

Although they do best in bright lighting, they can adapt to moderate lighting. Moving them around the tank can cause stress, so if movement is needed, do it slowly. Make sure that no other corals can come in contact with your Pocillopora.Pocillopora spp. are aggressive and have sweeper tentacles that will sting nearby corals.

 

  • Minimum Tank Size / Length: 10 gallons (38 L) or larger

  • Marine Lighting: Moderate to high

  • Temperature: 73° - 79° F (23° - 26° C). Temperatures of 79° F (26° C) and lower promote fast growth, yet temperatures of 81° - 82° F (27° - 28° C) slow their growth, which may be a desired response in cases of overcrowding.

  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

  • Water Movement: Strong/turbulent

  • Water Region: Bottom of the aquarium

   -Sex - Sexual differences   Hermaphrodites

Aquarium Parameters :

 

A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Club Finger Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. A mature tank is recommended.

 

Position them according to the level of lighting you have. Place them lower under intense metal halide lighting, and place them higher with compact fluorescents. Make sure that no other corals can come in contact with your Stylophora. Stylophora spp. are are semi-aggressive. They can extend sweeper polyps, but are less aggressive than other corals.

 

  • Minimum Tank Size / Length: 50 gallons (190 L) or larger

  • Marine Lighting: Moderate to high

  • Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)

  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

  • Water Movement: Moderate to strong

  • Water Region: All areas of the aquarium, depending on lighting

  • Sex - Sexual differences   Hermaphrodites, although some speculation is that smaller/younger colonies are males.

Family: Poritidae  

1- Boulder Coral

Christmas Tree Worm Rock, Encrusting Boulder Coral

 

Porites Porites sp.

 

The slow growing Boulder Coral can live a very long time in nature, with some being close to 1000 years old!

 

The Porites genus are some of the longest lived species on earth, and can attain massive proportions in the wild. They also form some of the largest coral colonies, with growths reaching about 26 feet (8 m) in height. Based on their rate of growth, it is estimated that some of these large colonies can be close to 1000 years old. However this is not a problem for the reef aquarium because they are very slow growing corals, averaging only 1/3 of an inch (9 mm) a year.

 

 Encrusting species of Porites, like the Boulder Coral, often enter the aquarium trade on live rock, or as a Christmas Tree Worm Rock. They come in many attractive colors including green, blue, golden yellow, yellow, purple, and pink. These colors can be very vivid, and for many specimens the color will be brought out under high intensity lighting.

 

Those Boulder Corals called the Christmas Tree Rock are embedded with colorful Christmas Tree Worms or Fan Worms that bore into their skeletons. Their commensal relationship with these worms are one of many "partnerships" we see in marine life and it is truly another marvel of the ocean. Though they are sold for the 'worm', they should be cared for as the coral, because the worms will not live if the coral dies.

 

The Boulder Coral Porites sp. can be difficult to care for initially, but once it is acclimated can be very hardy. The species that come connected to your live rock tend to be the hardy species whose tentacles are out day and night. Harder to care for species will have tentacles out at night only, or during the day only. The Boulder Coral is best kept in a shallow display with high light and fast water movement. The Porites genus has been propagated in captivity, and some beautiful captive grown specimens are available.

 

Scientific name   Family: Poritidae
   Species: Porites sp.

Distribution / Background

 Porites Coral Information: The Porites genus was described by Link in 1807. There are approximately 122 nominal species, but it is still unknown how many of these are true species. In Australian waters, all 16 species that are found there are considered true species. They have proven difficult to classify as individual species because of their minute calices. Some common names these corals are know for are Finger Coral, Jeweled Coral, Christmas Tree Worm Rock, Boulder Coral, Plating Jewel Coral, Jeweled Finger Coral, and Porites Coral. Some of the captive grown Porites have aquacultured names like Canary porites Coral P. cylindrica, Limited Edition Mike Paletta's Purple Porites, and Amethyst Porites P. annae.

 

In some areas, Porites nigrescens, are accidentally imported with the blue sponge, Haliclona sp., which is found in Indonesia. Oddly in the ocean, the sponge usually kills P. nigrescens, but due to the sponge's mortality rate, it usually dies in captivity/transport, leaving the "victim" or Porites intact. If you do get these 2 specimens together, separating them is needed to insure the Porites corals survival. This species of Porites is actually very hardy in captivity.

 

Where Porites Corals Are Found: The Porites genus are found in most of the tropical oceans and seas of the world.

 

Porites Coral Habitat: Porites genus are found in a wide range of habitats. They inhabit most reef environments, from lagoons to reef fronts as well as at the base of coral mounts and in sandy substrates that can be sloping or flat. The water is usually very turbid with a high current. Some species have also been found surviving in lower salinity.

 

Status :

 

Many of the Porites genus are on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. Most species are listed as Data Deficient (DD), Least Concern (LC), Vulnerable (V), and Near Threatened (NT), but about three are listed as Endangered (E) and one as Critically Endangered (CR).

 

Description :

 

What do Porites Corals look like: The skeletons of the Porites genus are lightweight and porous. They have multiple growth forms that can grow quite large in size. Growth forms include flat colonies that are encrusting, flat leaf-like sheets, massive colonies that are dome shaped when large, and branching colonies. Some species can have several of these characteristics in one colony, because their growth formations are affected by water flow.

 

The Encrusting Boulder Coral can grow in massive spherical or hemispherical shapes. These colonies can reach 26 feet (8m) in height and can be over 16 feet (5 m) in diameter. They are very slow at expanding, only growing 1/3 of an inch (9 mm) a year. There are colonies in the ocean that are estimated at over 1000 years old.

 

The Porites genus corallites are small, submerged, and filled with septa. The number of septa the Porites genus have give the corals a jeweled appearance, as if jewels were embedded across the surface. They are often confused with the Montipora corals as they both have corallites that are extremely small. However Porites have many differences in growth form, and their corallites are usually larger and more compact than those of the Montipora corals. The Montipora corals also lack the same type of septa.

 

The colors of Porites sp. can be green, blue, mustard, yellow, purple, pink, as well as muted versions of these colors. They will often shed a mucous layer every month during the full moon to rid themselves of waste.

 

Difficulty of Care :

 

Porites Coral Care: The Boulder Coral Porites sp. can be difficult to care for, but once it is acclimated can be very hardy. The species that come connected to your live rock tend to be the hardy species whose tentacles are out day and night while the harder to care for species can have tentacles out at night only, or during the day only.

 

 Porites often shed their outer surface layer to rid themselves of wastes and algae. It is actually done around the same time as the full moon. This waste may be removed to avoid fouling the water in smaller systems.

 

Foods / Feeding :

 

 Porites Coral Feeding: In the wild, small polyp stony (SPS) corals have developed several feeding strategies. Through a symbiotic relationship with a marine algae, known as zooxanthellae, they receive the majority of their nutrients. They also capture planktonic organisms and microscopic food particles from the water column and can absorb dissolved organic matter. The small tentacles of the Porites species however, make capturing planktonic foods less viable than other SPS.

 

 In captivity, they do best in well-feed reef tanks. Small polyp stony (SPS) corals gets much of their nutrition from the zooxanthellae that lives in their tissues, and organic matter in the water. The Porites corals are generally supported by high lighting and small organics release into the water column, but may benefit from liquid coral foods or planktonic liquid preparations.

 

Aquarium Care :

 

Pristine tank conditions are typically needed to keep all SPS corals. Keep the nitrate levels low, and maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels. Typically you can do water changes of 20% a month, 10% biweekly or 5% weekly. It has been noted that 5% weekly water changes replenish many of the needed additives. With higher concentrations of coral with calcareous skeletons, there may be a need put in additional additives to maintain proper levels for good growth.

 

Suggested levels for Porites species are:

 

  • Calcium:  400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the coral does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.

  • Alkalinity:  3.2 TO 4.8 MEQ/L (8 to 11 dKh - 10 is recommended)

  • Phosphates:  0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.

  • Magnesium:  12000-1350. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.

  • Strontium:  8 - 10

Aquarium Parameters  : 

 

A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Boulder Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. A mature tank is recommended.

 

Like other Porites, the Boulder Coral is best kept in a shallow display with high light and fast water movement. House them with fish and stir up the substrate to release organics into the water column. Make sure that no other corals can come in contact with your Porites. This Boulder Coral is not aggressive, position it with plenty of room between it and other corals.

 

  • Minimum Tank Size / Length: 20 gallons (75 L) or larger

  • Marine Lighting: High

  • Temperature: 72° - 80° F (22° - 27° C)

  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

  • Water Movement: Very strong and turbulent

  • Water Region: Top of the aquarium

Compatibility and Social Behaviors :

 

Porites are not aggressive and plenty of space should be given between them and other corals. These are perhaps some of the most submissive corals, but they are also very adaptable. They can often survive attacks from other corals, growing and re-calcifying even if portions of their skeleton are dead.

 

Sex - Sexual differences   Colonies are either male or female, yet there are no visible differences to the outward appearance.

Breeding and Reproduction : 

The small polyp stony (SPS) corals are male and female and can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the wild, for most of the Portites genus, sexual reproduction is done internally. These corals have male and female colonies, a trait they share with the Goniopora genus. The Porites genus male colonies release free-swimming sperm that the female colonies absorb. The female polyps brood the planulae in the body cavity rather than releasing eggs into the water column. They release the mature larvae when their development has been completed. They must rely on free swimming sperm released from the male colony to reach them. Some female species will release egg bundles into the water to meet up with sperm from male colonies, but there only a few that reproduce this way. In the wild small polyp stony (SPS) corals also spread asexually, from breakage due to storms and fragmentation.

 

Propagating Porites corals is done by breaking the coral. Leverage the coral against a hard surface, then use a chisel, plastic pliers, hard table edge, or some even drop it on the floor to obtain frags. For some species you may want to glue the frag to a plug or rock, using the 2-part epoxy or underwater putties. Gloves are suggested. Give the frag ample water flow. They do not grow quickly.

Potential Problems :

 

The Porites spp. are hard corals that once established, may not be susceptible to many diseases. But they can still get the same illnesses that any other small polyp stony (SPS) coral can get under poor conditions, or when they first arrive. There are several ailments these corals are subject to including bleaching, black-band disease, white-band disease, algae encroachment, and others. Here are some of the ailments and suggested treatments: 

 

  • Black-band disease: To prevent necrosis, and fight black band disease, the corals can be treated with Tetracycline at 10 mg per quart/liter according to one author.

  • Bleaching: This is the mass expulsion of zooxanthellae. Stress can trigger it and it generally will take the aquarist by surprise. The coral is still alive with slightly pigmented tissue. (will not be pure white) A suggestion is to turn down your lights so the zooxanthellae does not spin out of control and right out of your coral. Otherwise, once bleaching occurs, it has a 50/50 chance of complete healing. They will be prone to illness at this time.

  • Parasitic Animals: There is a Nudibranch, Phestilla lugubris that will feed on your Porites genus. Symptoms are patches of discolored polyps or tentacles not extended.

if your stony coral has any kind of tissue recession, you may be able to remove the unhealthy part. Just make sure you cut into some of the healthy part also, to be sure there is no disease encroaching on the healthy tissue. Also, keep out the cyanobacteria and algae with good water movement, and your coral will stay happy.

 

Availability : 

 

 Porites Corals for Sale: The Boulder Coral Porites sp. is moderately easy to find at pet shops and on line. Online they can run about $40.00 to $60.00 USD or more depending on size and/or color.

 

References :

 

  • Animal-World References: Marine and Reef

  • Eric Borneman, Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History , TFH Publications, 2001

  • Anthony Calfo, Book of Coral Propagation, Volume 1 Edition 2: Reef Gardening for Aquarists, Reading Trees; 2nd edition, 2007

  • J.E.N. Veron, Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific , University of Hawaii Press; 2 Rev Ed edition, 1993

2-Jeweled Finger Coral

Finger Coral, Jewel Coral, Cylindrical Porous Coral

 

Porites cylindrica

 

The Jeweled Finger Coral has the appearance of hundreds of little jewels across its surface!

Here is a brief .. For more information click on the primary name ..

The corallites of the Jeweled Finger Coral Porites cylindrica add an element of sparkle to the reef aquarium. This is because they are covered with many corallites that are very small, and each corallite has 10 tiny septa. It is the abundance of septa that give it the appearance of having been sprinkled with jewels all across the surface. They come in many attractive colors including green, blue, golden yellow, yellow, purple, and pink. These colors can be very vivid, and for many specimens the color will be brought out under high intensity lighting.

 

 In the wild, the Porites genus forms some of the largest coral colonies. They can reach massive proportions, with some growths reaching about 26 feet (8 m) in height. They are some of the longest lived species on earth. Based on their rate of growth, it is estimated that some of these large colonies can be close to 1000 years old. This is not a challenge for the reef keeper however, because they are very slow growing, averaging only 1/3 of an inch (9 mm) a year.

 

The Jewel Coral, also known as the Cylindrical Finger Coral, grows in finger like projections that can fuse at the tips. They are found on back reefs and lagoons, in shallow water that is exposed with the tides. Very high lighting and strong, turbid water movement is needed.

 

P. cylindrica can be difficult to care for, but once it is acclimated can be very hardy. You will know if your lighting is inadequate, because their bright yellow color will fade to golden brown or mustard. The Jeweled Finger Coral is best kept in a shallow display to best provide high light and fast water movement. The Porites genus has been propagated in captivity, and some beautiful captive grown specimens are available.

Scientific name   Family: Poritidae
   Species: Porites cylindrica

 

Status  The Porites cylindrica is listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species as Near Threatened (NT).

 

Aquarium Care :

 

Pristine tank conditions are typically needed to keep all SPS corals. Keep the nitrate levels low, and maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels. Typically you can do water changes of 20% a month, 10% biweekly or 5% weekly. It has been noted that 5% weekly water changes replenish many of the needed additives. With higher concentrations of coral with calcareous skeletons, there may be a need put in additional additives to maintain proper levels for good growth.

 

Suggested levels for Porites species are:

 

  • Calcium:  400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the coral does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.

  • Alkalinity:  3.2 TO 4.8 MEQ/L (8 to 11 dKh - 10 is recommended)

  • Phosphates:  0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.

  • Magnesium:  12000-1350. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.

  • Strontium:  8 - 10

Aquarium Parameters  : 

 

A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Jeweled Finger Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. A mature tank is recommended.

 

Like other Porites, the Jeweled Finger Coral is best kept in a shallow display with high light and fast water movement. House them with fish and stir up the substrate to release organics into the water column. Make sure that no other corals can come in contact with your Porites. The Jeweled Finger Coral is not aggressive, but position it with plenty of room between it and other corals for its protection.

 

  • Minimum Tank Size / Length: 20 gallons (75 L) or larger

  • Marine Lighting: High

  • Temperature: 72° - 80° F (22° - 27° C)

  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

  • Water Movement: Very strong and turbulent

  • Water Region: Top of the aquarium

  • Sex - Sexual differences   Colonies are either male or female, yet there are no visible differences to the outward appearance.

Family: Siderastreidae

 

Green Stony Pillar Coral

Branched Sandpaper Coral, Dark Green Contigua, Pillar Coral

 

Psammacora contigua

 

The intense green found on the Green Stony Pillar Coral is much sought after, yet this is still an affordable coral!

The Green Stony Pillar Coral Psammocora contigua typically seen in the aquarium trade is green. It has long been known as the Branched Sandpaper Coral and Pillar Coral. But once it took hold in the aquaculture world, describing it for its gorgeous color has become the norm. The popular common name it is known for is Green Stony Pillar Coral, along with Dark Green Contigua. The beautiful green of this specimen, which is often more of a dark and intense green, can easily become a centerpiece in your tank.

 

 The P. contigua grows in a combination of forms, including flattened branches, column formations, and irregular nodules. Corallites are very shallow and fine, so the surface of the coral looks very smooth. Like all members of their family, Siderastreidae, when their polyps are retracted the corallites on the surface make a very pretty, randomly place flower or star-like patterning. In the aquarium trade, they are often confused with Porites. They come in pale to dark grayish brown and green.

 

The Green Stony Pillar Coral is easy to care for, yet is not as common in the aquarium trade as other small polyp stony (SPS) corals. This coral is very tolerant of aquarium parameters, including salinity variations, and wide varieties of light and water flow. They prefer moderately intense, full spectrum lighting and moderate to strong water flow. Carefully acclimate them to stronger lighting over a few months. P. contigua is relatively peaceful as far as SPS corals are concerned, so they will work out nicely in most tanks.

 

Like all SPS corals, the Green Stony Pillar Coral gets much of its nutrition from the zooxanthellae that lives in it tissues. But it will also benefit from small food particles found in Marine Snow, and phytoplankton preparations that are now available. This is a hard coral that may not be susceptible to many diseases, but can still succumb to diseases typical to small polyp stony (SPS) corals. The Psammocora genus have been propagated in captivity, but they do not grow quickly.

Scientific name   Family: Siderastreidae
   Species: Psammocora contigua

 

Distribution / Background

 

Psammocora Coral Information: The Green Stony Pillar Coral Psammocora contigua was described by Esper in 1797. Some common names they are known for are Dark Green Contigua and Branched Sandpaper Coral, and Pillar Coral. Some general names for the Psammocora genus are Pillar Coral, Cat's Paw Coral, Encrusting Sandpaper Coral, and Starry Petaloid Coral. It has been propagated in captivity.

 

Where Psammocora Corals Are Found: The Psammocora contigua are found in waters from eastern Africa and the Red sea to Samoa, as well as in Australian waters including the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea and all of the southern waters except Solitary Islands and Shark Bay.

 

Psammocora Coral Habitat: P. contigua is found in a wide range of habitats including reef fronts. They are found at depths ranging from 0 - 131 feet (0 - 40 m). Like other members of the Psammocora genus, they are found in varying reef zones. Though not common in the aquarium trade, these corals are very tolerant of salinity variations, water flow, and light.

 

Status   The Psammocora contigua is on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species as Near Threatened (NT).

 

Description :

 

What do Psammocora Corals look like: The P. contigua grows in a combination of forms, including flattened branches, column formations, and irregular nodules. Corallites are very shallow and fine, so the surface of the coral looks very smooth. They come in pale to dark grayish brown and green. In the aquarium trade, they are often confused with Porites. Aquacultured specimens can be obtained in beautiful greens, which are often more of a dark and intense green color.

 

Difficulty of Care :

 

Psammocora Coral Care: The Green Stony Pillar Coral P. contigua is easy to care for. They tolerate wide varieties of light and water flow, though favor moderately intense, full spectrum lighting and moderate to strong water flow. Just carefully acclimate them to stronger lighting over a few months.

 

Foods / Feeding  :

 

 Psammocora Coral Feeding: In the wild, Psammocora corals have developed several feeding strategies. Through a symbiotic relationship with a marine algae, known as zooxanthellae, they receive the majority of their nutrients. They also capture planktonic organisms and microscopic food particles from the water column and can absorb dissolved organic matter.

 

 In captivity, they do best in well-feed reef tanks. Like all SPS corals, it gets much of its nutrition from the zooxanthellae that lives in it tissues. But it will also benefit from small food particles found in Marine Snow, and phytoplankton preparations that are now available.

 

Aquarium Care :

 

Pristine tank conditions are typically needed to keep all SPS corals. Keep the nitrate levels low, and maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels. Typically you can do water changes of 20% a month, 10% biweekly or 5% weekly. It has been noted that 5% weekly water changes replenish many of the needed additives. With higher concentrations of coral with calcareous skeletons, there may be a need put in additional additives to maintain proper levels for good growth.

 

Suggested levels for Psammocora species are:

 

  • Calcium:  400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the coral does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.

  • Alkalinity:  3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh - 10 is recommended)

  • Phosphates:  0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.

  • Magnesium:  12000-1350. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.

  • Strontium:  8 - 10

Aquarium Parameters : 

 

A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Green Stony Pillar Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. A mature tank is recommended.

 

Like other Psammocora, they tolerate wide varieties of light and water flow, even salinity variations. But they favor moderately intense, full spectrum lighting and moderate to strong water flow. Carefully acclimate them to stronger lighting over a few months. Make sure that no other corals can come in contact with yourPsammocora. This Branched Sandpaper Coral is not very aggressive so needs to be positioned at least 6" away from other corals.

 

  • Minimum Tank Size / Length: 20 gallons (75 L) or larger

  • Marine Lighting: Moderately intense; also high, but acclimate slowly

  • Temperature: 73° - 81° F (23° - 27° C)

  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

  • Water Movement: Moderate to strong

  • Water Region: Middle of the aquarium, though this is dependent on your lighting strength

Compatibility and Social Behaviors : 

 

Psammocora are not aggressive corals, nor do they posses strong defenses. Because of this, they must be placed away from any aggressive or defensive coral. It needs to be kept at least 6" away from other corals so they cannot reach it with their tentacles. P. contigua may get along with their same species, but distance between them and other species may be wise. The fact that they are not aggressive may be an indication they will tolerate others from their own genus.

 

Sex - Sexual differences   :

No sexual difference in appearance is known.

Breeding and Reproduction :

The small polyp stony (SPS) corals are male and female and can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the wild they reproduce sexually by releasing eggs and sperm at the same time, resulting in a fertilized egg which then forms into a free-swimming planula larva. Eventually the planula larvae settles onto the substrate, becoming plankters. This then forms a tiny polyp which begins to excrete calcium carbonate and develops into a coral. Planula larvae are extremely vulnerable to predation, and very few survive. Psammocora spp. reproduce asexually as well, by popping out new colonies from their surface, which eventually will break off to start new colonies. In the wild small polyp stony (SPS) corals also spread from breakage due to storms and fragmentation.

 

 When propagating Psammocora corals, using high speed water-cooled saws for the thicker areas is recommended. Then simply cut a branch and glue the frag to a plug or rock. You can use the 2-part epoxy or underwater putties. Gloves are suggested. Give the frag ample water flow. They do not grow quickly. Noteworthy, some propagators suggest a suspension of frags by using string/plastic wire. That way the coral does not touch any surrounding surfaces. This seems to support the notion of the "free living" aspects that some species in this genus seem to enjoy.

 

Potential Problems :

 

  The Psammocora spp. are hard corals that may not be susceptible to many diseases. But they can still get the same illnesses that any other small polyp stony (SPS) coral can get under poor conditions. In general, if your stony coral has any kind of tissue recession, you can cut off the unhealthy part. Just make sure you cut into some of the healthy part also, to be sure there is no disease encroaching on the healthy tissue. Also, keep out the cyanobacteria and algae with good water movement, and your coral will stay happy.

 

Availability :

 

Psammocora Corals for Sale: The Green Stony Pillar Coral or Branched Sandpaper Coral P. contigua is sometimes difficult to find at pet shops and on line. Online they can run about $20.00 to $30.00 USD or more depending on size.

 

References : 

 

  • Animal-World References: Marine and Reef

  • Eric Borneman, Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History , TFH Publications, 2001

  • Anthony Calfo, Book of Coral Propagation, Volume 1 Edition 2: Reef Gardening for Aquarists, Reading Trees; 2nd edition, 2007

  • J.E.N. Veron, Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific , University of Hawaii Press; 2 Rev Ed edition, 1993

  • Dana Riddle, Coral Reproduction, Part Two: Asexual Reproductive Modes of Captive Corals and Anemones, Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine, Copyright 2008

  • Bob Goemans, Cat's Paw Coral, Psammocora contigua, Animal Library, Saltwatercorner.com

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