Space Invader Pectinia Frag Large

Space Invader Pectinia is one of the most instantly recognisable and visually unique corals in the reef keeping hobby. Named for its striking resemblance to the classic arcade game character, Space Invader features an extraordinary open skeletal structure with dramatically flared and angular corallites that create a silhouette unlike anything else in a reef tank.

Under quality reef lighting the Space Invader Pectinia takes on vivid greens, yellows, and multicoloured hues that shift and intensify depending on the light angle and spectrum. It is simultaneously a statement piece and a conversation starter — the coral that visitors to your tank will always notice and ask about first.

Once considered rare and difficult to source, Space Invader Pectinia has developed a passionate collector following in the reef keeping community worldwide. Quality specimens with strong colouration and well-defined skeletal structure are actively hunted by experienced collectors and command significant interest wherever they appear. If you appreciate corals that are genuinely different — this is one of the most distinctive pieces available in the hobby.

Care Guide

• Care level: Moderate — suitable for reef keepers with established, stable systems. More forgiving than SPS corals but rewards consistent water quality and careful placement
• Lighting: Low to medium — Space Invader Pectinia expresses its best colour under moderate indirect lighting. Avoid placing directly under high intensity LED spots which can cause bleaching and wash out the characteristic colouration. Lower to mid rockwork in areas of gentle indirect light brings out the most vivid colour expression
• Flow: Low to moderate — gentle, indirect, random flow is ideal. Strong direct flow will prevent the coral from fully expressing its tissue and can cause stress and recession over time. The open skeletal structure makes it particularly susceptible to detritus accumulation in low flow areas — aim for gentle but consistent water movement around the entire colony
• Placement: Lower to mid rockwork or the sandbed where the full skeletal structure can be appreciated from the front of the tank. The distinctive silhouette of Space Invader is best displayed when viewed straight on — consider placement with the viewing angle in mind
• Temperament: Moderately aggressive — Pectinia can extend sweeper tentacles at night. Allow adequate spacing from neighbouring corals and monitor placement as the colony grows
• Feeding: Space Invader Pectinia responds well to target feeding with fine particulate foods such as reef roids, oyster eggs, or phytoplankton 2-3 times per week. Feed when the coral's tissue is fully extended and receptive. Regular feeding encourages faster growth, more defined skeletal development, and significantly more vibrant colouration

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–26°C
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026
• Calcium: 380–430ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
• Magnesium: 1250–1350ppm
• Nitrate: 5–15ppm (tolerates slightly elevated nutrients — ultra low nutrient systems are not ideal)
• Phosphate: 0.05–0.10ppm

Note: Space Invader Pectinia is sensitive to rapid parameter changes and sudden shifts in lighting intensity. Acclimate new specimens slowly using the drip method and introduce them to their final placement position gradually. Allow 2-4 weeks for the coral to fully settle and begin expressing its characteristic colour and skeletal growth pattern.

A Note On Space Invader Colouration The vivid greens, yellows, and multicoloured pigmentation that make Space Invader Pectinia so desirable are heavily influenced by lighting spectrum and water chemistry. Under quality full spectrum LED lighting with appropriate blue and violet channels, the colour expression is typically at its most intense. New specimens may appear subdued during the acclimation period — this is normal and colour typically intensifies significantly once the coral has settled into its new environment.

Shipping All livestock is packed with care and shipped Australia-wide with heat or cold packs as required for the season. Shipping insurance is available at checkout and strongly recommended for all livestock orders.

As a live coral, natural variation in colouration and skeletal development may occur. We photograph all WYSIWYG specimens individually to ensure what you see is what you receive.