How difficult is it to keep Encrusting Turbinaria?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Encrusting Turbinaria?

The ideal temperature for Encrusting Turbinaria is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Encrusting Turbinaria get?

Encrusting Turbinaria typically reaches Dome-shaped colonies about 50 cm across (Wikipedia) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Encrusting Turbinaria?

Encrusting Turbinaria feeds on: Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus plankton. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Encrusting Turbinaria?

The price of Encrusting Turbinaria varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Encrusting Turbinaria

Intermediate

Turbinaria stellulata

A Turbinaria that grows encrusting to low domes and seldom forms upright plates. Thick-walled conical corallites about 2.5 mm across stud the surface, with the coenosteum darker than the walls. Unlike its relatives, it avoids turbid water.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

24〜27℃

Lifespan

Little data available

Size

Dome-shaped colonies about 50 cm across (Wikipedia)

Diet

Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus plankton

About

Turbinaria stellulata is a stony coral of the family Dendrophylliidae ranging from the Red Sea and Madagascar to tropical Australia, southern Japan and the South China Sea. Colonies are mainly encrusting, often forming domes with encrusting margins about 50 cm across. The corallites are thick-walled cones averaging 2.5 mm across. It is usually brown or green but may take other colours depending on its symbionts, and the coenosteum between corallites is usually darker than the corallite walls (Corals of the World, Wikipedia). It lives on upper reef slopes at 2-15 m and, unlike other Turbinaria, seems to avoid turbid water. Turbinaria corallites are immersed almost to the top in the skeleton, and colonies are thick and plate-like (Nipponica). On this site, T. reniformis forms tiers of plates in turbid water and Duncanopsammia peltata has much larger corallites, 5-10 mm across. Specialist shops in Japan stock it by name.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Encrusting Turbinaria

The Encrusting Turbinaria grows to Dome-shaped colonies about 50 cm across (Wikipedia).

Temperature & humidity for the Encrusting Turbinaria

The ideal temperature for the Encrusting Turbinaria is 24〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Red Sea and Madagascar to tropical Australia, southern Japan and the South China Sea

Lifespan

Little data available

Size

Dome-shaped colonies about 50 cm across (Wikipedia)

Care Specifications

Water Temp.: 24–27℃
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.025
Salinity: 33–35 ppt
Min. Tank: 150 L

LPSFlow: Medium

Sources: Corals of the World (Turbinaria stellulata) / Reeflex (Turbinaria stellulata) / Wikipedia (Turbinaria stellulata) / Kotobank (Nipponica): Turbinaria / AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Turbinaria stellulata (Lamarck, 1816)

Synonyms: Astraea stellulata Lamarck, 1816, Turbinaria elegans Bernard, 1896, Turbinaria globularis Bernard, 1896

Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · Corals of the World

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix IIIUCN LC · Least Concern

Domestic law: Collecting in Japanese waters is governed by each prefecture's fisheries adjustment regulations, which differ by prefecture. Okinawa bans all collection of reef-building corals, including stony corals, and also bans possessing or selling illegally collected corals (cultured corals are exempt, and the prefecture advises buyers to confirm a coral is cultured, on an artificial base or tagged). Tokyo bans collection in the waters off Ogasawara Village. In marine park zones of national and quasi-national parks, taking designated animals and plants requires a permit (Natural Parks Act, Art. 22).

All stony corals (Scleractinia) are listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires export permits, but no registration is needed to sell or transfer specimens within Japan.

Sources: Species+ (CITES listing of Turbinaria stellulata) / Okinawa Prefecture: Collection of reef-building corals is prohibited / Tokyo Metropolitan Fisheries Adjustment Regulations (Arts. 37 and 41) / e-Gov: Natural Parks Act (Art. 22, marine park zones)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.