Distichopora violacea

(Pallas, 1766)

Blue Lace Coral, Purple Lace Coral

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Red Sea to the Galapagos Islands.

Natural Environment: Inhabits somewhat nutrient-rich caves and areas beneath overhangs where it develops flat-sided growths that face into the current.

General Husbandry: Needs to be in placed in shaded areas/caves having very good current flow.

Plankton-like foodstuffs are beneficial, yet a species difficult to maintain long-term.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Hydrozoa

Subclass: Hydroidolina

Order: Anthoathecatra

Suborder: Filifera

Family: Stylasteridae

Genus: Distichopora

FYI: Appears to do better when calcium is maintained somewhat high, e.g., about 450 mg/l and alkalinity also stays somewhat high, e.g., 3.5 meq/l.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Plankton/Absorption of nutrients

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe:Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately difficult

Calcium (Ca): >380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: >2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 72 - 81°F (22 - 27°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Lighting: PAR 50

Water Movement: WM 2 - 3

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.