Candy Apple Stylocoeniella

Candy Apple Stylocoeniella: The Intense Crimson Encruster

The Candy Apple Stylocoeniella (Stylocoeniella species) is a highly desirable and exceptionally durable collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Stylocoeniella, often called "Cat's Paw Coral" or "Jasmine Coral," is recognized for its tiny, densely packed polyps and its remarkable ability to thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions, particularly lower PAR.

This specific strain is named "Candy Apple" for its vivid, intense, and glossy red coloration. It features a base tissue of deep, saturated crimson or bright candy-apple red that encrusts the rockwork. The polyps are typically the same color or a slightly contrasting neon pink or rose red, creating a consistent and brilliant red showpiece that truly glows under appropriate lighting.

The Candy Apple Stylocoeniella grows in a thickly encrusting or forming short, stubby, finger-like branches. It is considered an Easy care SPS coral. It is highly robust, forgiving of moderate nutrient levels, and is a persistent, if initially slow, colonizer, making it a perfect coral for beginners stepping into SPS territory.

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 accelerating tissue growth and ensuring deep color saturation. 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 an excellent choice for encrusting over base rock, but due to its slow initial growth, it should be protected from larger, more aggressive corals that may sting or overgrow it.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned on lower or mid-level rockwork where it receives Low to Moderate PAR lighting (50-250 PAR), which helps maintain the deep red 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: Candy Apple Stylocoeniella
• Other Common Names: Red Stylocoeniella, Deep Red 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