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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Pectiniidae (Stony Corals)
Habitat: Turbid waters with low to moderate water flow
Light: Medium Water Flow: Medium Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: These corals have zooxanthellae which provide much of their nutrition. It is believed they also feed on microzooplankton and directly absorb some nutrients from the water.
Natural History: Pectinia grows in wavy and frilly formations that range in shape from lettuce-like to antler-like. The walls then to be thin and fragile. Polyps do not significantly expand above the skeleton. At night, randomly-spaced tube-shaped tentacles emerge to feed. Colors range from fluorescent greens to creams and browns.
Husbandry: Peach Plate Coral prefers moderate light and low water flow. It grows slowly in an aquarium and is vulnerable to protozoan jelly infections. It does not ship easily. Even though it has potent feeding tentacles that it extends at night, it is not aggressive and can be easily damaged by other aggressive corals. Pectinia skeletons are very weak and easily broken. They produce large amounts of mucus necessitating a rinsing before placing in an aquarium.
AKA: Lettuce Coral, Antler Coral, Palm Coral, Hibiscus Coral