Starlet Coral (LPS) (Siderastrea siderea (LPS))
| Starlet Coral (LPS) Siderastrea siderea (LPS) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Starlet Coral (LPS) |
| Name Lat. | Siderastrea siderea (LPS) |
| Family | Siderastreid Corals |
| Family lat. | Siderastreidae |
| Order | Stony Corals |
| Order lat. | Scleractinia |
| Origin | Atlantic Ocean |
| Diet | Autotrophic, planktivore |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Hardness | 8-10 °KH |
| Lighting | Medium-high |
| Current | Moderate-strong |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Colony |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | < 30 cm |
| Temperature | 22-26 °C |
| Salinity | 33-36 ‰ |
| Aquarium | 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | < 12" |
| Temperature | 72-80 °F |
| Salinity | 1.020-1.025 sg |
| Aquarium | 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Siderastrea siderea belongs to the group of LPS (Large Polyp Scleractinia). This reef-building coral is distributed in the tropical West Atlantic, from Florida to the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean, where it occurs in colonies on all areas of the reef to depths of 6 meters.
Maintenance
They should be positioned in a place with medium light intensity and strong, alternating current. Only lime-rich, heavy metal-free substrates should be used as substrate
To ensure water quality, filters, skimmers and heaters are necessary, as well as pumps to simulate tides, swells and bottom currents. It is recommended that live stones be used to set up the aquarium. The bacteria living in the porous stones act as a biological filter. The lighting must correspond to the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals
| Salinity: 33-36 ‰ | pH value: 8.1-8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness: 8-10 °KH | Nitrate content: 2-8 mg/l |
| calcium content: 420-450 mg/l | Nitrite content: 0.0-0.05 mg/l |
| Magnesium content: 1.250-1.350 mg/l | phosphate content: 0.01-0.1 mg/l |
Regular addition of trace elements, especially calcium and strontium is recommended. Special attention should be paid to consistently good water quality and water values.
Diet
Zooxanthellae, which are unicellular symbiotic algae, live in their tissue and provide them with assimilation products of their photosynthesis (high light requirement). The zooxanthellae promote growth and provide additional food to the plankton and small particles that are collected in large quantities from the water current. Thus, in addition to the food produced in the aquarium during fish feeding (mysis, krill, Artemia, etc.), commercially available supplementary food in the form of phyto- and zooplankton should be offered regularly
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should not be kept with fish that regard their polyps as food (e.g. angelfish or butterflyfish). They are well tolerated with other corals, but sufficient distance must be kept from cnidarians.
Reproduction and breeding
In the aquarium they can be propagated well by fragmentation. Fragments are fixed in the reef structure, e.g. with a good two-component coral glue (epoxy).
Species protection
Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.
Important
Siderastrea are fast growing, colony forming corals. The additional illumination with Actinic-Light (short-wave, violet-blue light) is very beneficial for their growth (zooxanthellae).
A calcium reactor and a magnesium dosing pump are recommended for the necessary steady supply of calcium carbonate and magnesium. Too high temperature, insufficient lighting or current as well as sudden change of water values can lead to tissue decay (RTN - rapid tissue necrosis). When purchasing, look for pressure marks or other tissue damage. Newly introduced animals must be acclimated slowly to the water in the aquarium
If different species are kept together, make sure that fish and invertebrates match each other in terms of water quality and temperature requirements as well as their social behavior, and that the setup meets the ecological needs of all species kept together
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: VERON (2000): Corals of the world, Australian Institute of Marine Science; ENGELMANN & LANGE (2011): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Verlag Harri Deutsch