Cat Paw Stylophora

Description

Cat Paw Stylophora (Stylophora pistillata) – Hardy Branching SPS Coral 🪸🐾

The Cat Paw Stylophora (Stylophora pistillata) is a highly sought-after small polyp stony (SPS) coral admired for its thick, finger-like branches and compact growth form that resembles a cat’s paw. Known for being more forgiving than many other SPS corals, Stylophora pistillata is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking to add structure, colour, and movement to their aquarium without the extreme sensitivity associated with more demanding SPS species.

This coral is naturally found in shallow reef environments, where it thrives under strong lighting and consistent water flow. In the home aquarium, Cat Paw Stylophora rewards stable conditions with steady growth, excellent polyp extension, and vibrant coloration ranging from soft pinks and purples to bright greens, creams, and bi-colour morphs depending on lighting and nutrients.

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Why You’ll Love Cat Paw Stylophora 🌟

• 🐾 Unique Branching Structure
  Thick, rounded branches create a compact “cat paw” appearance that adds depth and interest to reef aquascapes.

• 🪸 Hardier SPS Coral
  More tolerant of minor parameter fluctuations than many SPS corals, making it suitable for intermediate reef keepers.

• 🌈 Excellent Colour Potential
  Displays vibrant colours under proper lighting, often intensifying with stable alkalinity and nutrient balance.

• 🌊 Great Polyp Extension
  Shows visible polyp movement, adding life and texture to your reef tank.

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Care & Placement 🧪

Lighting:
Moderate to high lighting is recommended. Cat Paw Stylophora adapts well to LED and T5 systems, with stronger lighting promoting brighter coloration.

Water Flow:
Moderate to strong, turbulent flow is ideal. Adequate flow helps prevent detritus buildup and supports healthy tissue growth.

Placement:
Best placed in the mid to upper regions of the aquarium where it receives consistent light and flow without being blasted directly.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24–26°C

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

Stability is key to long-term success.

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Feeding & Growth 🍽️

Cat Paw Stylophora relies primarily on photosynthesis through its symbiotic zooxanthellae but benefits from occasional supplemental feeding. Fine coral foods, amino acids, and reef plankton can enhance growth and coloration when used sparingly.

With proper care, this coral exhibits moderate growth, developing thick branches that can eventually be fragged for propagation.

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Reef Compatibility 🐠

• ✔ Reef safe

• ✔ Peaceful temperament

• ❌ Sensitive to aggressive neighbours

Allow adequate spacing from aggressive corals, as Stylophora does not have long sweeper tentacles but can still be affected by chemical warfare in crowded reefs.

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Aquascaping Inspiration 🪨

Cat Paw Stylophora works beautifully as a structural coral, forming natural-looking mini colonies that fill negative space and create focal points in SPS-dominant or mixed reefs. Its upright growth contrasts well with plating and encrusting corals, adding balance to your aquascape.

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Quick Facts 📌

• Scientific Name: Stylophora pistillata

• Common Name: Cat Paw Stylophora

• Coral Type: SPS

• Difficulty: Intermediate

• Lighting: Moderate–High

• Flow: Moderate–Strong

• Growth Rate: Moderate

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A Reef-Safe SPS Classic ✅

The Cat Paw Stylophora is a timeless SPS coral that combines beauty, resilience, and structure. Perfect for reef keepers looking to step into SPS corals or expand an established reef, this coral offers reliable growth and stunning visual appeal when provided with stable conditions.

🪸 Add Cat Paw Stylophora to your reef and enjoy classic SPS elegance with dependable performance.

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Image: Image Credit