Pectinia

Introduction to Pectinia Coral

Pectinia, commonly known as Chalice Coral, Space Invader Coral, or Lettuce Coral, is a Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral known for its dramatic ridges, fleshy tissue, and vibrant fluorescent coloration. With its unique, flowing structure and brilliant hues of green, blue, purple, pink, orange, and gold, Pectinia makes a bold statement in any reef aquarium.

This coral is moderately challenging to keep, as it requires stable water parameters, careful placement, and moderate flow. It is semi-aggressive, capable of extending sweeper tentacles to defend its territory, so spacing is essential. Pectinia is perfect for intermediate to advanced reef hobbyists who want a stunning centerpiece coral.

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Pectinia corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef. They are found in lagoonal reefs, reef slopes, and protected reef zones, where they grow on rocky substrates under moderate lighting and gentle water flow.

Why Choose Pectinia for Your Reef Tank?

• Striking, sculptural appearance – Adds depth and texture to aquascapes.
• Brilliant color patterns – Often fluorescent under actinic lighting.
• Moderate care requirements – Rewarding coral for growing hobbyists.
• Distinctive structure – Adds a unique shape and flow to mixed reefs.

Optimal Water Parameters

Weekly water changes (10–15%) help maintain stability and vibrant coloration.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Lower to mid-level areas of the tank with space for sweeper tentacle expansion.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on rock ledges or stable sandbed, avoiding sharp or unstable surfaces that may damage its flesh.

Lighting Requirements

Pectinia thrives under moderate lighting, where its colors will glow without risk of bleaching.

• PAR Range: 80–150 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with blue-spectrum emphasis.
• Lighting Schedule: 8–10 hours per day, with smooth sunrise/sunset transitions.

Avoid placing Pectinia directly under intense light, as it may cause tissue recession or bleaching.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Moderate, indirect flow is ideal to keep polyps extended and prevent debris buildup.
• Avoid high, laminar flow, which can tear its delicate tissue.
• Use randomized, alternating flow patterns to mimic natural reef movement.

Feeding and Nutrition

Pectinia is photosynthetic but benefits from target feeding to promote growth and enhance coloration.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, phytoplankton, and amino acids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per week.
• Feeding Tip: Feed at night when sweeper tentacles are extended for maximum absorption.

Supplemental feeding will improve polyp extension, color vibrancy, and recovery from stress.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other LPS corals – Pectinia has aggressive sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at fleshy tissue.

Keep at least 6 inches of space between Pectinia and other corals to prevent aggression.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Growth Rate: Moderate, expanding with new ridges and folds over time.
• Propagation Method: Use a diamond saw or coral bandsaw to carefully cut between ridges, avoiding tissue tearing.

After fragging, ensure gentle flow and stable parameters for quick healing.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease: A bacterial infection often caused by tissue injury or poor water quality. Treat with iodine dips and increased water flow.
• Tissue Recession: Usually from unstable parameters or excessive light.
• Algae Overgrowth: Keep nutrients in check to prevent algae from smothering tissue.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended over 30–45 minutes to help the coral adjust to your system.
• Handle gently by the skeleton, avoiding contact with the fleshy surface to prevent damage.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10–15%) and monitor calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels.
• Blow away detritus using a turkey baster during routine maintenance.
• Use activated carbon or protein skimmers to reduce organic buildup.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or receding tissue – Caused by excessive light or unstable chemistry.
• Faded or dull coloration – Reduce lighting and increase feeding frequency.
• Tissue peeling or brown jelly – Isolate coral and perform an iodine dip immediately.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching: Move to a shaded or lower-light area.
• Tissue Damage: Improve flow and reduce direct current.
• Slow Growth: Feed more frequently and ensure calcium/alkalinity balance.