(Stylophora pistillata)

Description

Cat’s Paw Coral: A Vibrant Addition to Your Reef Aquarium

Bring the dynamic beauty of a natural reef into your home with the captivating Cat’s Paw Coral. Its unique branching structure and striking colors will be a focal point in your healthy aquarium fish display.

Overview

The Cat’s Paw Coral (*Stylophora pistillata*) is a stunning Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral known for its dense, finger-like branches with blunt ends. Colonies can display a wide range of vibrant hues, including cream, pink, green, and blue. Its small polyps often extend, giving the coral a delicate, fuzzy appearance. This species contributes significantly to reef structures, providing shelter and habitat for various small marine organisms, making it a living sculpture in your reef system.

Care Level

Considered an intermediate-level SPS coral, the Cat’s Paw Coral is more forgiving than some other hard corals but still demands stable, pristine water conditions. It exhibits a peaceful temperament, though like all corals, ensure adequate spacing to prevent physical or chemical competition. Successful keeping of this coral requires dedication to maintaining a thriving reef environment.

Tank Essentials

A mature marine aquarium of at least 200 liters is recommended for this coral. It thrives under moderate to intense lighting, often placed in the middle to upper sections of your tank. Crucially, provide moderate to strong, turbulent water flow to keep the coral clean and deliver essential nutrients. Stable water parameters are paramount for its health and vibrant coloration.

Diet

Primarily photosynthetic, the Cat’s Paw Coral relies heavily on its symbiotic zooxanthellae for nutrition. However, it is an opportunistic feeder and greatly benefits from supplemental feedings of fine particulate foods such as zooplankton, mysis, and brine shrimp. Regular feeding can significantly enhance its growth and overall vitality.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Cat’s Paw Coral online from us, you receive ethically sourced, meticulously acclimated specimens ready for your reef. We prioritize the health and responsible husbandry of our marine life, ensuring each coral arrives vibrant and prepared to thrive in your carefully curated aquarium. Your satisfaction and the well-being of your new coral are our top priorities.

• Scientific Name: *Stylophora pistillata*
• Common Name / Variant: Cat’s Paw Coral / Hood Coral, Smooth Cauliflower Coral, Club Finger Coral, Cluster Coral, Brush Coral, Bird’s Nest Coral, Milka Coral
• Maximum Size: 30-50 cm diameter
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 23–28°C
• Lifespan: Multiple years (long-lived)
• Swimming Zone: Sessile, attaches to substrate

Add this stunning Cat’s Paw Coral to your reef tank today!