{"product_id":"purple-stylophora-cats-paw","title":"Purple Stylophora (Cats Paw)","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"242\" data-end=\"286\"\u003ePurple Stylophora (Cat’s Paw) Coral Frag\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"601\"\u003eThe Purple Stylophora, commonly known as Cat’s Paw, is a hardy and visually appealing SPS coral recognised for its compact branching structure and rich purple colouration. With its thick, stubby branches and excellent polyp extension, this coral adds texture, depth, and reliable colour to reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"787\"\u003eOften recommended as one of the best SPS corals for reef keepers transitioning from LPS to SPS, Purple Stylophora offers strong growth and resilience without sacrificing visual impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"828\"\u003eNatural Habitat \u0026amp; Distribution\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"920\"\u003eStylophora corals originate from the Indo-Pacific region, where they are found across:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"922\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"922\" data-end=\"959\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"924\" data-end=\"959\"\u003eThe Great Barrier Reef, Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"973\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"962\" data-end=\"973\"\u003eIndonesia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"992\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"992\"\u003eFiji and Tonga\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"993\" data-end=\"1008\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1008\"\u003eThe Red Sea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1009\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1011\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003eCentral and Western Pacific reef systems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1055\" data-end=\"1263\"\u003eIn the wild, Stylophora species inhabit shallow reef flats and upper reef slopes, exposed to strong sunlight and moderate to strong water movement—conditions reflected in their aquarium care requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1289\"\u003eA Brief History\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1291\" data-end=\"1591\"\u003eStylophora has long been favoured in the reef-keeping hobby for its durability, fast growth, and tolerance compared to many Acropora species. The Cat’s Paw variety gained popularity due to its dense, rounded branching form and ability to maintain colour under a wide range of reef conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1593\" data-end=\"1694\"\u003ePurple Stylophora remains a staple SPS coral, valued for its reliability and classic reef appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1724\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Growth\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1726\" data-end=\"1908\"\u003eClassified as an SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral, Purple Stylophora develops a compact, bushy branching growth form, with thick branches that resemble the shape of a cat’s paw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"2029\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"1947\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1947\"\u003eDeep purple to violet colouration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1948\" data-end=\"1978\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1950\" data-end=\"1978\"\u003eThick, rounded branch tips\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"2029\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1981\" data-end=\"2029\"\u003eStrong polyp extension under stable conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2031\" data-end=\"2105\"\u003eGrowth is fast and forgiving, making it ideal for building reef structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2112\" data-end=\"2136\"\u003ePlacement \u0026amp; Lighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2252\"\u003ePurple Stylophora performs best under medium to high lighting, closely mimicking its natural reef environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2254\" data-end=\"2392\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2254\" data-end=\"2283\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2283\"\u003eLighting: Medium–High\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2284\" data-end=\"2348\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2348\"\u003eBest placed in the mid to upper sections of the aquarium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2392\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2392\"\u003eLower light may reduce colour intensity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2399\" data-end=\"2420\"\u003eFlow Requirements\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2422\" data-end=\"2598\"\u003eProvide moderate to strong, random flow to support healthy growth, polyp extension, and to prevent detritus accumulation between branches. Avoid harsh, direct laminar flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"2624\"\u003eWater Chemistry\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2626\" data-end=\"2709\"\u003eStylophora benefits from stable reef parameters. Maintain consistent levels of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2751\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2722\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2713\" data-end=\"2722\"\u003eCalcium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2723\" data-end=\"2737\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2725\" data-end=\"2737\"\u003eAlkalinity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2738\" data-end=\"2751\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2740\" data-end=\"2751\"\u003eMagnesium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2753\" data-end=\"2859\"\u003eAlong with balanced trace elements and stable nutrient levels. Regular testing and dosing are recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2866\" data-end=\"2877\"\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2879\" data-end=\"2980\"\u003ePrimarily photosynthetic, Purple Stylophora can benefit from occasional supplemental feeding such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2982\" data-end=\"3037\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2982\" data-end=\"3011\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2984\" data-end=\"3011\"\u003eFine powdered coral foods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3012\" data-end=\"3037\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3037\"\u003eMicro-plankton blends\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3039\" data-end=\"3113\"\u003eLight feeding can enhance growth and overall vitality when used sparingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"3120\" data-end=\"3145\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3147\" data-end=\"3305\"\u003eStylophora corals are generally peaceful, but their bushy growth requires adequate spacing to prevent contact with neighbouring corals as they expand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"3312\" data-end=\"3345\"\u003eFrag Size \u0026amp; Natural Variation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3503\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3386\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3386\"\u003eFrag size: Approximately 1 inch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3503\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3389\" data-end=\"3503\"\u003eEach frag is unique and may vary slightly in shade and branch structure depending on lighting and tank conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"3510\" data-end=\"3526\"\u003eCare Summary\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3528\" data-end=\"3642\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3528\" data-end=\"3556\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3556\"\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3557\" data-end=\"3582\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3559\" data-end=\"3582\"\u003eFlow: Medium–High\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3583\" data-end=\"3612\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3612\"\u003eLighting: Medium–High\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3613\" data-end=\"3642\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3615\" data-end=\"3642\"\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ReefGro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56564782629247,"sku":"RG-STY-CATS-PURP-031","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0965\/9708\/2495\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_e5e9e801-f566-481e-9208-ab2702c75968.jpg?v=1780221886","url":"https:\/\/reefgro-2.myshopify.com\/products\/purple-stylophora-cats-paw","provider":"ReefGro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}