Stylophora

Names & Synonyms

• CommonStylophora
• Commonスティロフォラ

Overview

Stylophora pistillata (family Pocilloporidae) is one of the most widespread SPS corals on shallow Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reefs. Dense clusters of blunt-tipped finger branches form bushy colonies 10–30 cm across, coloring in pink, purple, green, cream, and brown—with vivid purple and pink morphs being the most prized in the aquarium trade. Moderate to high lighting (200–350 PAR) and brisk turbulent flow are required, as Stylophora is a high-energy reef flat species. Water parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–9, Ca 400–430 ppm, Mg 1280–1350 ppm) should be kept stable, though Stylophora tolerates minor fluctuations better than Acropora. This forgiving nature has earned it a place as the quintessential SPS starter coral worldwide. Fragging is simple: severed branches readily attach to new substrates and grow at a gratifyingly rapid pace. An essential addition to any SPS-dominated reef aquarium.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Prefers medium to strong light
• Flow—Medium to strong flow suitable
• Propagation—Easy to propagate by fragging
• Notes—Tolerates water quality fluctuation better than Acropora

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:

Appendix II

Notes:

イシサンゴ目(Stylophora, Pocilloporidae)。CITES 附属書II。

Sources

• AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow)(careSpec)
• AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
• DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
• Wikipedia(detail)

Related corals of the same type

Blue Coralアオサンゴ（ヘリオポラ）spsIntermediateThe only octocoral with a solid blue skeleton. Taxonomically unique and hardy, but CITES Appendix II — handle with care.Astreoporaアストレオポラ（スターコーラル）SPSBeginnerA massive SPS in the Acropora family. Named for star-shaped scattered corallites; a hardy entry-level SPS.AnacroporaアナクロポラSPSIntermediateA branching SPS related to Acropora but lacking axial corallites, forming slender delicate branches with pastel coloration.IsoporaイソポラSPSIntermediateA branching-to-encrusting SPS formerly placed in Acropora. Bearing multiple axial corallites, it is hardier and easier than Acropora.CoscinaraeaコスキナラエアSPSBeginnerA hardy coral related to Psammocora with a rough texture. Encrusting, with wide tolerance of light and flow.Hydnophora (Horn Coral)コモンサンゴspsIntermediateCoral with dense small bumps (hydnophores) on surface. Between LPS and SPS in care. Fast-growing with beautiful fluorescent green. Aggressive — careful placement needed.

Related care articles

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SPS Coral Infections and Disease Prevention | Distinguishing White Spot Disease, Planula Settlement Disease, and Mixed Infections

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As a representative SPS species, Montipora exhibits diverse growth forms that differ from Acropora, another SPS type. This article explains the characteristics of each form—digitate, plate, and encrusting—and how to optimize light, water flow, and nutrient environments for each.

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