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Pocillopora
Pocillopora spp.
Animalia›Cnidaria›Anthozoa›Pocilloporidae
📍 Indo-Pacific Reef Systems
Pocillopora is a branching SPS coral with densely packed round polyp heads giving it a cauliflower-like appearance. It is one of the more forgiving SPS corals for beginners to reef keeping, growing quickly under stable conditions. Available in green, pink, and purple morphs.
Tank Mates
Reef-safe fish that do not nip or harm corals; may even provide mild aeration benefits
Reef-safe invertebrate that maintains water quality without damaging coral tissue
Peaceful scavenger that helps control algae and detritus without bothering SPS corals
Small, reef-safe fish that feeds on parasites and poses no threat to branching corals
Peaceful, non-aggressive fish that stays near substrate and avoids coral interaction
Common Diseases
Coral Bleaching
Loss of color, polyps appear white or translucent, reduced feeding response
Improve water stability (temperature, alkalinity, calcium), increase water flow, reduce light intensity temporarily, ensure adequate nutrient levels
Brown Jelly Disease
Brown, jelly-like tissue sloughing off; rapid tissue recession; foul odor
Isolate affected coral immediately, perform large water changes, increase water flow and aeration, consider antibiotic dips or removal of affected branches
Algae Overgrowth
Excessive algae covering polyps, reduced polyp extension, tissue irritation
Increase water flow around coral, reduce nutrient levels (phosphate, nitrate), manually remove algae, consider adding herbivorous fish or increasing protein skimming
Pest Infestation (Acropora Eating Nudibranch)
Small holes in branches, visible small slugs on coral, tissue damage
Manually remove visible pests, dip coral in freshwater or iodine solution, quarantine affected coral, consider adding predatory fish like wrasses
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Quick Facts
- flow
- High
- light
- High
- feeding
- Photosynthetic; benefits from phytoplankton
- tank size
- 50 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Moderate aggression – space from other SPS
Water it likes
- ph
- 8.1–8.3
- calcium
- 420–480 ppm
- salinity
- 1.025–1.026 SG
- alkalinity
- 8–12 dKH
- temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)