Lettuce Coral care guide

Lettuce Coral (Pectinia paeonia) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 50-150, salinity 1.024-1.026.

Overview

Pectinia paeonia is a foliose-plate LPS with spiky, carnation-like edges. The colony often displays striking metallic green or red colouration and forms broad multi-layered plates as it grows.

Taxonomy

Family: Merulinidae
Genus: Pectinia
Scientific name: Pectinia paeonia
Common synonyms: Carnation Coral, Pectinia

Habitat

Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific. Wild colonies occur on protected reef slopes at moderate depth, where they form broad shaded canopies.

Tank requirements

Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
Salinity (SG): 1.024-1.026
pH: 8.1-8.4
Alkalinity (dKH): 8-11
Calcium: 400-450 ppm
Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
Phosphate (max): 0.03 ppm
Nitrate (max): 5 ppm

Placement and lighting

Lighting (PAR): 50-150 PAR
Flow: low
Recommended tank age: 3 months
Growth rate: 0.2-0.4 cm/mo

Mount on rockwork in the lower to middle aquarium with low flow and moderate light. Avoid strong direct light, which causes tissue retraction and bleaching; the spiky edges are fragile and should not touch other corals.

Feeding

Primarily photosynthetic. Spot-feeding is generally not required; occasional reef-roids around the colony is sufficient if used.

Compatibility

Moderately aggressive — stinging tentacles can damage neighbours. Maintain a small buffer of a few centimetres around the colony. Reef-safe with shrimp and fish.

Care notes

Sensitive to detritus and rapid parameter swings. Maintain low nutrients and stable alkalinity. The fragile edges chip easily during handling; minimise movement once placed.