Burning Banana Stylocoeniella

Burning Banana Stylocoeniella: Care Guide for This Fiery Nano Coral

The Burning Banana Stylocoeniella is a small-polyp stony (SPS) coral that brings intense yellow and red coloration to reef tanks. Its encrusting growth pattern makes it perfect for filling in rockwork, adding texture and contrast without taking over valuable real estate.

Lighting & Flow Requirements

Burning Banana Stylocoeniella is surprisingly forgiving for an SPS, making it a great choice for hobbyists who want to try more demanding corals without jumping straight into acropora-level difficulty.

Lighting

Aim for moderate to moderately high light:

  • PAR range: 100–200 is ideal for color and growth.
  • Place it on the lower to mid rockwork under strong LEDs or T5/LED hybrids.
  • Acclimate slowly to brighter light to avoid bleaching.

Water Flow

This coral thrives in varied, indirect flow:

  • Provide moderate, turbulent flow rather than a direct blast.
  • Good flow helps keep detritus off the tissue and promotes healthy polyp extension.
  • Use alternating flow patterns from wavemakers for best results.

Water Parameters & Placement

Like most SPS, Burning Banana Stylocoeniella appreciates stable, clean water. It can tolerate a bit more nutrient than ultra-delicate sticks, but swinging parameters will still cause stress.

Recommended Parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–78°F)
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
  • Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
  • Calcium: 420–450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
  • Nitrate: 5–15 ppm
  • Phosphate: 0.03–0.10 ppm

Because this coral encrusts over rock, think about long-term growth when choosing a spot. It’s excellent for:

  • Covering bare rock ledges and vertical faces
  • Creating colorful borders around other SPS colonies
  • Adding contrast next to blue or purple corals

Feeding, Compatibility & Growth Tips

Although Burning Banana Stylocoeniella relies heavily on light and its zooxanthellae for energy, targeted feeding can enhance growth and coloration.

Feeding

  • Offer fine particulate foods such as reef roids, powdered plankton, or coral-specific blends.
  • Feed 1–2 times per week with pumps turned down for better capture.
  • Maintain good export (skimming, refugium) to avoid nutrient spikes.

Compatibility & Placement Tips

  • Provide a little space from aggressive LPS with long sweeper tentacles.
  • Keep away from soft corals known for strong chemical warfare in small systems.
  • Mount on stable rock; avoid sandbed placement where it can be buried.

Tip: Start your Burning Banana Stylocoeniella lower in the tank and gradually move it up over a few weeks as you monitor color and polyp extension.

If you’re building a colorful SPS section, pair this coral with other encrusting and plating species for a layered look. For more ideas on mixing SPS and LPS successfully, check out our guide to mixed reef aquarium stocking and our overview of SPS coral care basics. You can also explore our beginner SPS coral recommendations to plan your next additions.