Common Names

Chalice Coral, Chinese Lettuce Coral, Cup Coral, Elephant Nose Coral Flat Lettuce Coral, Peacock Coral, Plate Coral, Scroll Coral

Description

Corals of the family Pectiniidae are among some of the easiest and color of the SPS corals to keep. It is an encrusting coral, growing in a plate form, with a unique appearance that makes it very popular. In the wild they inhabit a wide range of depths and water flow conditions making them easily adaptable to different environments.

Care Level: Easy

Placement: All

Lighting: Moderate to High

Flow: Low to Moderate

Conditions: 74°-82°, s.g. 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, Cal 380-430, dKH 8-11, Mag 1200-1350, Sr8-10

Conditions & Placement

Pectiniidae are generally fairly easy to care for but good water quality is very important for growth and health. While tolerant of lower levels of light they can adapt to stronger lighting.

Feeding

Pectiniidaedo best in well fed reef tanks but only feeds at night. Corals of this family get most of its nutrition from zooxanthellae that live in it but can also be fed microplankton, cyclopeeze, brine shrimp and mysis.

Maintenance

A mature tank is recommended and Pectiniidaedo best in clean water conditions. Bi-weekly water changes of at least 10% are important for keeping water condition stable. Nitrate levels should be kept low. Maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels are important.They are relatively slow growers.

Warnings

Pectiniidaeare aggressive and care should be taken when placing near other corals. They have sweeper tentacles that may come out at night. Make sure there is moderate flow to keep debris off your coral.

Signs of Problems

• - Brown jelly infections are common