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PPE Cyphastrea is a colonial stony coral from the genus Cyphastrea, sold under a trade name associated with its coloration and pattern. It forms encrusting or slightly domed colonies made of closely packed corallites. Its growth is generally slow to moderate, making it suitable for stable, well-established reef aquariums. Under low to moderate lighting, random water movement, and balanced water chemistry, it can become a long-lasting part of the aquascape. Its availability is fairly good through specialized coral retailers, although supply varies with shipments and individual color lines.

General description

PPE Cyphastrea refers to a commercial form of Cyphastrea, not to a separate scientific species. Colonies consist of numerous closely spaced corallites, creating a fine and regular surface texture. Like many colonial stony corals, this coral produces a calcium carbonate skeleton and can gradually spread across rock or another suitable surface. Its growth is usually slower than that of many soft corals or some fast-growing stony corals. It is appropriate for aquarists who can maintain consistent water quality, especially calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. Leave clear space around the colony, since its tissues may damage a neighboring coral that is placed too close.

Geographic origin and biotope

Corals in the genus Cyphastrea are associated with tropical reefs of the Indo-Pacific. Because PPE is a trade designation, it cannot reliably be assigned to a specific country, island, or reef. In nature, Cyphastrea occurs in various reef settings, including rocky surfaces, slopes, and areas exposed to differing light levels. It lives in warm, oxygen-rich seawater with relatively stable conditions. In an aquarium, a position protected from very intense lighting is a sensible starting point. Indirect, irregular flow helps keep the surface clean without exposing the polyps to a direct jet.

Precise location and local name

PPE Cyphastrea has no specific geographic location or regional local name because it is a commercial aquarium name. The term PPE is used in the coral trade to identify a particular presentation of Cyphastrea, but its interpretation may vary between suppliers. It is therefore best to retain the trade name while treating the coral as a Cyphastrea form intended for reef aquariums. The actual origin of an individual colony depends on the supply chain and on the history provided by the seller.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The colony has a surface made of small polygonal or rounded corallites, usually packed closely together. In PPE Cyphastrea, the visual appeal mainly comes from the color contrast and the colony’s tight texture. Polyps may extend more fully when lighting is reduced or when food is available. The skeleton is hard, calcareous, and generally encrusting or only slightly massive. Growth occurs as new corallites are added along the colony margins. A peripheral growth pattern may therefore be visible before the colony becomes noticeably thicker.

General feeding

Cyphastrea obtains a significant portion of its energy from symbiotic algae, or zooxanthellae, through light. It can also capture small particles and benefit from planktonic food available in the aquarium. Target feeding with very small marine particles may support the colony, but it does not replace stable water conditions and suitable lighting. Offer small amounts when the polyps are extended and remove excess food. Moderate feeding helps limit pollution, while regular supplemental feeding can support vitality when the coral receives moderate light.

Essential data

• Local name used: PPE Cyphastrea
• Common or vernacular names: PPE Cyphastrea; encrusting star coral
• Family: Merulinidae
• Origin of the scientific name: Cyphastrea is the genus name to which this commercial form is assigned.
• Etymology of the full name: PPE is a trade designation; Cyphastrea is the genus name.
• Maximum adult size: Variable according to the colony and available space.
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; pH 8.0 to 8.4
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Marine reef habitat; terrestrial vegetation not applicable.
• Typical tankmates: Peaceful corals, reef herbivorous snails, cleaner shrimp, reef urchins.
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful, but its tissues may affect a neighboring coral placed too closely.
• Water depth: Variable according to reef location and water clarity.
• Sexual dimorphism: Not apparent in aquariums.
• Bottom structure and flow: Stable rocky substrate; moderate, indirect, irregular flow.

In your aquarium

To succeed with PPE Cyphastrea, place the colony on stable rock with no direct contact with other corals. Begin under low to moderate lighting, then adjust gradually according to polyp extension and coloration. Maintain stable marine temperature, good oxygenation, and consistent calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels. Avoid rapid changes and strong jets aimed directly at the colony. Watching the margins closely makes it easier to identify irritation or growth toward a neighboring coral. With regular maintenance and chemically stable water, this coral can remain a colorful and durable feature of a reef aquarium.