Common name: massive starlet coral

General information

The Massive Starlet Coral, Siderastrea siderea, is a hardy and adaptable species of stony coral commonly found in the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its massive, dome-shaped colonies and can be a long-lived addition to a reef aquarium. The coral exhibits a range of colors from gray to brown, and sometimes green, with each polyp surrounded by a star-like pattern, which is the origin of its common name.

Care

Siderastrea siderea is a resilient coral that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, from low to moderate. It prefers stable water conditions with moderate flow to ensure the removal of waste and delivery of nutrients. This coral is not overly demanding regarding water chemistry, but maintaining calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium within appropriate reef tank levels is crucial for its skeletal growth.

Symbiosis

While Siderastrea siderea does not have the same level of symbiosis with marine animals as some other corals, it does host a variety of small invertebrates and algae within its structure, contributing to the biodiversity of the reef environment.

Habitat

In the wild, Siderastrea siderea is typically found in shallow reef environments, often in areas with turbid water or seagrass beds. It can also be found at depths of up to 70 meters, demonstrating its adaptability to different light conditions. This coral is an important reef builder and contributes to the complex structure of coral reefs, providing habitat for numerous marine species.