Lesser Star Coral
Coelastrea aspera
A hardy Indo-Pacific brain coral that rewards patient, intermediate reef keepers.
About
Lesser Star Coral (Coelastrea aspera) is a stony coral native to the Indo-Pacific, where it grows on reef structures from the shallows down to around 40 meters. It belongs to the brain coral group and forms rounded, encrusting to dome-shaped colonies with a distinctly textured surface. The name 'aspera' itself refers to that rough, bumpy appearance. Each corallite is relatively small and closely packed, giving the colony a tidy, geometric look that fits naturally into mixed reef displays. In the wild it is considered a successful colonizer, appearing across a broad range of reef habitats and light conditions, which hints at its adaptability. In the aquarium, it is generally regarded as a solid choice for intermediate reef keepers. It does not demand the intense light or flow that some large-polyp stony corals require, but it does need stable water quality and consistent husbandry to thrive over the long term. Placement in a spot with moderate light and moderate, steady flow tends to work well. It is reef safe and poses no notable aggression concerns with neighbors, provided it has enough space to grow without physical contact with other corals. Not the flashiest species on the shelf, but a reliable and rewarding long-term resident for a well-maintained reef system.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Lesser Star Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Lesser Star Coral need?
- The Lesser Star Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Lesser Star Coral aggressive?
- The Lesser Star Coral is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- Is the Lesser Star Coral reef safe?
- The Lesser Star Coral is generally considered reef safe.