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.
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.