Coral Care Info Pectinia

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Pectinia corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in lagoonal reefs and deep reef slopes, where they attach to rocky substrates in moderate to low-light conditions with gentle water flow.

Why Choose Pectinia for Your Reef Tank?

• Unique, Ruffled Growth Form – Creates a dramatic, multi-layered reefscape.
• Striking Fluorescent Colors – Glows brightly under actinic lighting.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands steadily under ideal conditions.
• Aggressive Sweeper Tentacles – Requires careful placement to prevent stinging nearby corals.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial for Pectinia’s health and vibrant coloration:

Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability and prevent nutrient imbalances.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers mid to lower areas of the tank, with ample space for tentacle extension.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on rockwork, allowing its ruffled structure to develop naturally.

Lighting Requirements

Pectinia corals thrive under low to moderate lighting, which enhances their fluorescence while preventing stress.

• PAR Range: 80-150 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with blue-spectrum emphasis.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper polyp expansion.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause tissue recession.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup and enhance nutrient absorption.

Feeding and Nutrition

Pectinia benefits from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, absorbing nutrients through its polyps.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and amino acids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and polyp extension.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding at night when tentacles extend.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other LPS corals—Pectinia has long sweeper tentacles that can sting neighbors.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at polyps.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, expanding as an encrusting or plating structure.
• Fragging Method: Use a bandsaw or bone cutter to create clean fragments for propagation.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease – A bacterial infection requiring iodine dips and improved water quality.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by unstable parameters or excessive flow.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually adjust the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as tissue damage can lead to infection.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or receding tissue – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or aggression from nearby corals.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Overgrowth on unwanted areas – Frag and relocate colonies to prevent excessive spread.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; move to a lower-light area.
• Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.