Larger Star Coral
Paramontastraea peresi
A hardy Western Indian Ocean reef builder that rewards patient, intermediate keepers.
About
Larger star coral (Paramontastraea peresi) is a reef-building stony coral native to the Western Indian Ocean, with a range stretching from the Red Sea south all the way to South Africa. In the wild it occupies a broad slice of the water column, showing up from the shallows right down to around 40 meters, which hints at its adaptability to varying light and flow conditions. It typically forms the kind of solid, encrusting to massive colonies you'd expect from a true reef builder. The sort of coral that contributes real structure to the reef framework over time. In the aquarium, it falls into intermediate territory, meaning it's not the right starting point if you're brand new to reef keeping, but it shouldn't intimidate anyone who has a stable, well-established system running. Moderate lighting and moderate flow suit it well, so it fits comfortably into a mixed reef without needing a highly specialized spot in the tank. Source data on its specific aquarium behavior is limited, but its wide natural depth range suggests it has a reasonable tolerance for varied conditions compared to more finicky SPS corals. If you can keep your water chemistry consistent, this one is a solid, understated addition to a Western Indian Ocean-themed or general reef display.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Larger 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 Larger Star Coral need?
- The Larger Star Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Larger Star Coral reef safe?
- The Larger Star Coral is generally considered reef safe.