Psammocora stellata (Cactus Coral) Care Guide
Psammocora stellata is an Indo-Pacific small-polyp stony coral with a granular surface that grows encrusting before forming thick branches; a hardy SPS option.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Psammocora stellata is a small-polyp stony coral of the Indo-Pacific. Members of the genus Psammocora are also known as cat's paw corals and have a fuzzy, granular surface formed by tightly packed, uniform small polyps. The genus typically begins growth in an encrusting form and, once it has covered the substrate, develops thick branches that spread through the colony.
Taxonomy
- Family: Psammocoridae
- Genus: Psammocora (Dana, 1846)
- Scientific name: Psammocora stellata
- Authority: (Verrill, 1866)
- Common synonyms: Psammocora (Stephanaria) stellata
Habitat
The species occurs across the Indo-Pacific. The genus Psammocora is reef-associated; colonies host symbiotic zooxanthellae and grow over hard substrates on the reef.
Aquarium care
- Temperature: 24-26 degrees C (75-79 degrees F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.025-1.026 SG
- Alkalinity (KH): 7.5-9 dKH
- Calcium: 420-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm
- Difficulty: intermediate
- Minimum tank maturity: about 3 months
Lighting and flow
Psammocora is flexible with lighting but favors medium to high light, with roughly 100-200 PAR cited as a useful starting range; colors are typically brighter under stronger light following slow acclimation to avoid bleaching. The coral appreciates medium to high water flow, which removes waste, prevents detritus accumulation, and delivers nutrients to the polyps.
Feeding
Although primarily photosynthetic, Psammocora is a capable feeder. The small polyps can capture and consume fine food particles such as pieces of mysis, and the coral also absorbs amino acids from the water column.
Compatibility
Psammocora is considered hardy and forgiving of minor parameter fluctuations, making it more tolerant than demanding small-polyp stony corals such as Acropora. It is reported as reef-safe alongside fish and shrimp.
Psammocora stellata (Cactus Coral) Propagation Guide
Overview
Psammocora stellata is a stony coral in the monotypic family Psammocoridae, a genus established by Dana in 1846 and known commonly as cat's paw coral. In the aquarium it grows as a branching small-polyp stony coral with a finely textured, granular surface. Its hardiness makes it a frequent stand-in for the more demanding branching SPS corals.
Reproductive Mode
As a branching stony coral, Psammocora stellata is propagated in captivity chiefly by fragmentation, the same asexual route that lets detached coral pieces re-establish on a reef. Cutting a branch yields a genetically identical clone of the parent colony, preserving its colour and texture.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Cut a branch from a healthy colony with coral cutters, then mount the fragment on a frag plug or rock. Dry the base of the cutting and the plug so the glue holds, add a couple of dabs of cyanoacrylate, press the frag into place, and return it to low flow until the bond cures. The frag then encrusts the plug and resumes branching growth.
Conditions for Propagation
A stellata frag needs stable reef parameters, moderate to high light, and good water movement to keep the granular surface clean and the polyps extended. Frags taken from vigorous colonies attach and encrust fastest; brisk flow over the cut helps the tissue heal onto the plug and discourages algae.
Common Challenges
The fine, sandy surface texture can make early tissue loss hard to see, so inspect new frags closely. Maintaining clean, consistent water and adequate flow are the main factors in a smooth recovery for this hardy SPS.