Burning Banana Stylocoeniella

Burning Banana Stylocoeniella: The Fluorescent Yellow-Green Encruster

The Burning Banana Stylocoeniella (Stylocoeniella species) is a highly fluorescent and exceptionally hardy collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Stylocoeniella, often called "Cat's Paw Coral" or "Jasmine Coral," is known for its tiny, densely packed polyps and its remarkable ability to thrive in shaded or lower-light areas of the reef tank.

This specific strain is named "Burning Banana" for its vivid, high-contrast coloration. It features a base tissue of deep red, maroon, or reddish-brown that encrusts the rockwork. This dark base is spectacularly contrasted by numerous, fully extended polyps and growth tips in an intense neon yellow or banana-yellow. The visual effect of the brilliant yellow polyps against the dark background gives the coral its glowing, "burning" appearance.

The Burning Banana Stylocoeniella grows in a thickly encrusting or forming short, stubby, finger-like branches. It is considered an Easy care SPS coral and is often recommended for beginners looking to venture into SPS. It is robust, forgiving of moderate nutrient levels, and a persistent colonizer.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving most energy from symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae) but is also an opportunistic Carnivore.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is highly beneficial for supporting robust polyp extension and faster growth. Its micro-polyps readily capture fine particulate foods. Target feed 2-3 times per week with fine foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Passive. Stylocoeniella lacks potent sweeper tentacles and is non-aggressive. It is highly durable and a great candidate for encrusting over base rock, but it should be protected from aggressive LPS corals (like Galaxea) that can sting it.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned on lower or shaded rockwork where it receives Low to Moderate PAR lighting (50-250 PAR), which helps maintain the dark base color, and moderate, non-turbulent water flow to ensure clean surfaces.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with low to moderate nutrient levels (Nitrate < 10 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Stylocoeniella sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Burning Banana Stylocoeniella
• Other Common Names: Yellow Polyp Stylocoeniella, Deepwater SPS
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Forms thick encrusting mats or small stubby colonies
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive, very hardy SPS option)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent for lower-light zones)
• Care Level: Easy