About Pectinia Corals
Pectinia corals are distinctive large polyp stony corals with sculpted ridges, irregular folds and branching or plating growth. Their unusual structure can create dramatic shadows and fluorescent highlights under reef lighting.
Pectinia are sometimes grouped with chalice corals by aquarium retailers because of their encrusting and plating growth. However, Pectinia is its own coral genus. Space Invader Pectinia is the best-known aquarium variety, recognized for bright green tissue and contrasting yellow eyes, although other colors including rainbow varieties are also available.
Pectinia Coral Care
Pectinia corals generally do best under low to moderate lighting with moderate, indirect water flow. Flow should be sufficient to prevent debris from collecting between the coral’s ridges without continuously pushing against its tissue.
Difficulty: Moderate
Lighting: Low to moderate
Water flow: Moderate and indirect
Placement: Lower to middle areas of the aquarium
Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive
Maintain stable alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, salinity and temperature to support skeletal growth. Pectinia may accept small meaty coral foods, but stable aquarium conditions are more important than frequent feeding.
Some Pectinia develop long sweeper tentacles, particularly after the aquarium lights turn off. Leave generous space between Pectinia and neighboring corals to prevent stinging and tissue damage.
Choosing a Pectinia Coral
When selecting a Pectinia, consider coloration, size, growth form and the amount of open space available around its intended placement. Smaller frags may gradually develop pronounced ridges and branches as they grow, while established colonies provide a more immediate architectural shape.
Our selection may include WYSIWYG Pectinia corals, allowing you to select an individually photographed specimen. Because these corals are sold individually, available colors and sizes change frequently.
Browse our current LPS corals for sale, or explore all live corals for sale at Lucky Corals.
