Starry Cup Coral
Acanthastrea hillae
Saltwater Coral
Species Group: Acanthastrea
Family: Mussidae
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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 Starry Cup Coral
General information
The Starry Cup Coral are large reef-building corals that usually takes the massive and encrusting form. Their corallites are irregularly shaped that forms short valleys with several centers. They have a moderate flesh cover that is usually colored red, cream or brown with a contrasting color on the wall and mouth.
This is the ideal range of water parameters for raising Starry Cup Coral in captivity:
- Calcium: 400 – 450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 3.2 – 4.8 MEQ/L
- Phosphates: 0
- Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
- Strontium: 8 – 10
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, Starry Cup Coral has developed a symbiotic feeding relationship with marine algae called zooxanthellae. But in captivity, you have to feed them with nanoplankton or dissolved organics.
Determining sex
A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Starry Cup Coral. Thriving them with fish is recommended as fish excretes nitrogen that can sustain the coral's growth.
Breeding & spawning
Starry Cup Coral does not need high flow rate and intense light. Giving them moderate lighting allows the Starry Cup Coral to spread their polyps thereby allowing them to feed. Too much light will cause the polyps to be retracted.
Diseases
Except for their kind, Starry Cup Coral is aggressive towards other species. During the night, they extend their tentacles and sting nearby corals. It is recommended to observe proper spacing between corals. Further, they have the tendency to be overpowered with soft corals and will die especially if soft corals outnumber them.
Origination
Starry Cup Coral is usually found on the Indo-West Pacific region particularly in Indonesia to Melanesia, north to Japan and south to Australia which makes them a tropical to subtropical species.
Cautions
Except for their kind, Starry Cup Coral is aggressive towards other species. During the night, they extend their tentacles and sting nearby corals. It is recommended to observe proper spacing between corals. Further, they have the tendency to be overpowered with soft corals and will die especially if soft corals outnumber them.
Acclimation process
Starry Cup Coral are purely marine. So, therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
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