Striate Finger Coral

About

Striate Finger Coral (Madracis myriaster), also known as yellow pencil coral, is a colonial stony coral native to the subtropical Western Atlantic, with recorded populations stretching from Belize north through the United States and into Canadian waters. What makes this species genuinely unusual among reef-associated corals is its extraordinary depth tolerance. It has been documented anywhere from relatively shallow reef zones down to well over a thousand meters, a range that is rarely seen in corals kept by hobbyists. In its growth form it produces slender, finger-like branches, giving it the pencil coral nickname that some keepers use informally. In the aquarium, this is an intermediate-level coral that rewards careful attention to placement. It appreciates strong, consistent water movement and high-intensity lighting, so positioning matters quite a bit. Low flow or dim corners will cause it to struggle over time. It is considered reef safe, making it compatible with typical mixed reef setups, though as with most small-polyp stony corals it does best when surrounded by keepers who already have a handle on nutrient export and stable parameters. Source data on its specific captive behavior is limited, so connecting with others who have kept it long-term is worthwhile before committing.