Purple Stylophora

Purple Stylophora is a beautiful branching SPS coral with an intense purple colour and fine polyps. A relatively hardy SPS coral that, with stable water parameters, sufficient light and good water flow, can develop into a compact, richly branched colony.

Purple Stylophora

Purple Stylophora is an attractive SPS coral (Small Polyp Stony) with a compact, branching growth form and striking purple coloration. Small polyps cover the branches, giving the coral a soft and vibrant appearance when fully extended.

Stylophora is one of the better-known SPS corals and is generally considered somewhat more forgiving than many other SPS species. This makes it an interesting choice for reef keepers taking their first steps with SPS corals, provided the aquarium is sufficiently mature and stable.

Lighting

Stylophora requires moderate to high lighting to grow well and maintain its intense coloration. High-quality LED or T5 lighting is particularly suitable.

When moving the coral from an aquarium with a different light intensity, it is advisable to acclimate it gradually to the new lighting conditions. A sudden increase in light intensity can cause stress or bleaching.

Water Flow

Moderate to strong, variable water flow is ideal. Good circulation helps remove waste from between the branches while supplying the polyps with oxygen and nutrients.

Avoid directing an extremely strong and continuous jet of water directly at the coral. Broad, varied water movement from different directions generally produces the best results.

Placement in the Aquarium

Place Stylophora preferably in the middle to upper section of the aquarium, depending on the intensity of the lighting. Allow sufficient space around the coral so that the colony can branch freely as it grows without touching or shading neighbouring corals.

• Placement: Middle to upper area of the aquarium
• Lighting: Moderate to high
• Water flow: Moderate to strong and variable
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Growth form: Compact and branching

Stable Water Parameters

As with virtually all SPS corals, stable water parameters are more important than constantly trying to achieve one exact number. Sudden changes in alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, temperature and salinity should particularly be avoided.

Stylophora consumes calcium and carbonate to build its calcium carbonate skeleton. In an aquarium containing several growing stony corals, calcium, alkalinity and magnesium should therefore be monitored regularly and supplemented when required.

• Temperature: approximately 24–26 °C
• Salinity: approximately 1.024–1.026 SG
• Alkalinity: approximately 7–9 dKH
• Calcium: approximately 400–450 mg/l
• Magnesium: approximately 1250–1400 mg/l

Feeding

Stylophora obtains most of its energy from the symbiotic zooxanthellae living within its tissue. Additional feeding is therefore not essential for survival, but small suspended food particles, suitable coral foods and amino acids can be incorporated into a balanced feeding programme.

Avoid excessive feeding. Maintaining a good balance between available nutrients and effective filtration is important in a healthy SPS reef aquarium.

Growth and Care

Under suitable conditions, Stylophora can grow relatively quickly and develop into an attractive branching colony. New growth tips may appear lighter in colour than the older parts of the colony.

Because of its relatively compact branching structure, it is important to ensure that sufficient water flow reaches the inner sections of larger colonies. When the colony becomes too large, Stylophora can easily be trimmed and propagated into frags.

Purple Stylophora Characteristics

• Beautiful purple SPS coral
• Compact, branching growth form
• Small polyps covering the colony
• Relatively hardy SPS species
• Suitable for mature and stable reef aquariums
• Requires sufficient lighting and good variable water flow
• Consumes calcium and carbonate to build its skeleton
• Can develop into an impressive colony under suitable conditions

Purple Stylophora is an excellent choice for reef aquariums where a colourful, branching SPS coral is desired. With stable conditions, appropriate lighting and good water movement, it can develop into a beautiful and fast-growing colony.

Purple Stylophora Video