Giant Star Coral
Moseleya latistellata
Saltwater Coral
Species Group: Moseleya
Family: Faviidae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Giant Star Coral
General information
In general, corals coming from the genus Moseleya have colonies that are flat, submassive, disc-like or free-living. They have a cerioid type of coralite with a large central corallite that can measure up to 35 millemeters in diameter. Their mouth have rows of fine teeth that usually exserts paliform lobes.
For the Giant Star Coral, they are predominatly colored light brown with white mouth. This are the water parameters for cultivating Giant Star Coral:
- Calcium: 400 – 450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 2.86 – 3.93 MEQ/L (8 – 11 dKH)
- Phosphates: 0
- Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
- Strontium: 8 -10
- Temperature: 74° – 83° F (23° – 28° C)
- Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
Diet & nutrition
Giant Star Coral can survive without feeding courtesy from the nourishment it recieves from the symbiotic zooxanthellae that is living within them. However, they will not grow in to a bigger colony. With this and for faster growth, you need to feed them with supplemental foods like krill, mysis or brine shrimp. The addition of dissolved organics is also recommended.
Determining sex
A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Giant Star Coral. They need to be set at the bottom portion of the tank where lighting and flow rate are in moderation.
Breeding & spawning
Giant Star Coral requires moderate lighting and moderate water flow. Too much water flow causes the polyps to be retracted and feeding cannot take place.
Diseases
Giant Star Coral is susceptible to hair algae. This usually occurs if the water flow is too low or not sufficient.
Origination
Giant Star Coral can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, particularly in Australia, South east Asia and South China Sea. They are now classified as a vulnerable species and listed under Appendix II of the CITES list which means that their international trade is monitored.
Cautions
Giant Star Coral must be set in the tank with enough spacing in relation to other coral species.
Acclimation process
Since the Giant Star Coral are a marine species, salinity must be entirely maintained at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
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