Rainbow Stylocoeniella

Rainbow Stylocoeniella: The Polychromatic Deepwater Encruster

The Rainbow Stylocoeniella (Stylocoeniella species) is a unique and incredibly durable collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Stylocoeniella, often called "Cat's Paw Coral," is highly regarded for its resilience, small polyp size, and its ability to add vibrant color to shaded or lower-light regions of the reef tank.

This specific strain is named "Rainbow" because of its complex, polychromatic fluorescence. It typically features a base tissue of deep purple, dark blue, or dark brown that encrusts the rockwork. This dark base is densely dotted with numerous, tiny polyps that display a brilliant mix of colors, often including neon green, bright yellow, and hot pink/magenta. This combination of a dark body and multi-colored fluorescent polyps creates a stunning, speckled, "rainbow" effect.

The Rainbow Stylocoeniella grows in a thickly encrusting or forming small, dense, knobby bumps. It is considered an Easy care SPS coral. It is extremely robust, highly forgiving of moderate nutrient levels, and is a perfect choice for reefers looking for a hardy coral with exceptional multi-color fluorescence.

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 accelerating 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 an excellent choice for encrusting over base rock, requiring minimal space from neighboring corals.
• 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), where its fluorescence pops the most, 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: Rainbow Stylocoeniella
• Other Common Names: Multi-Color Stylocoeniella, Polychromatic Jasmine Coral
• 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