Stylocoeniella coral (Stylocoeniella armata) care guide

Group
Corals
Family
Astrocoeniidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific; shallow reefs, often on shaded surfaces
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Low to moderate
Flow
Moderate

Care

A small encrusting stony coral with tiny corallites and small spines between them, usually brown, green or cream. It is rarely sold on its own and usually arrives as a hitch-hiker on live rock or other corals. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. Placement: lower to middle rockwork; it encrusts flat surfaces and does well in shaded spots. Light and flow: low to moderate light and moderate flow. Water: Keep calcium around 400–450 ppm, alkalinity at dKH 8–12 and magnesium around 1250–1350 ppm, and keep them steady; regular dosing of calcium, alkalinity and trace elements (or a calcium reactor in a busy reef) is needed as the coral grows. Growth: slow to moderate, spreading as a thin crust. Selling: this is a CITES Appendix II coral. Frags grown in the UK can be sold freely; wild-collected or imported pieces must have been legally imported with CITES paperwork. Sources: none (neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists it). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic (zooxanthellae). Broadcast fine coral foods occasionally.

Breeding

Cut or chip encrusted pieces with a saw or bone cutters and glue them to plugs.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with very small polyps; keep it out of reach of LPS sweepers.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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