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Datasheet
| Care Description | Pocillopora despite being one of the less popular stony corals in the reef aquarium hobby are second only to Acropora in reef building productivity in the wild. Their skeletons make up a huge portion of the reef’s structure in the ocean. Pocillopora are one of the most adaptable SPS corals in that they tolerate a wide range of both light and flow. Please see below for more care tips for Pocillopora. |
| Water Flow | Strong |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Pocillopora, a genus of stony corals, despite their lower popularity in the reef aquarium hobby, are second only to Acropora in reef building productivity in the wild. They contribute significantly to the structure of ocean reefs, with their skeletons forming a substantial part of the reef's foundation. The Camo Pocillopora, a fast-growing branching SPS coral, is ideal for beginners in SPS reef keeping, characterized by darker green polyps with a vibrant green base.
Demands and Hardiness
Pocillopora stands out as one of the most adaptable SPS corals, thriving in a wide range of light and flow conditions. It can tolerate variations in these parameters, making it relatively hardy in different tank setups. The coral's ability to acclimate to varying environments makes it a favored choice for aquarists looking for versatile corals that can adjust to different tank conditions.
Lighting
High lighting is beneficial for Pocillopora corals as it enhances their coloration and overall appearance. While they can still grow and extend their polyps under lower light conditions, brighter lighting promotes more vivid and striking coloration. Acclimating Pocillopora to intense lighting sources like metal halides and LEDs may require a longer adjustment period due to their light sensitivity.
Water Flow
Pocillopora corals thrive in strong water movement, mirroring their natural habitat in the wild where they are commonly found in vigorous surge zones. Providing strong water flow within the aquarium setup can help simulate their natural environment, fostering healthy growth and maintaining the well-being of the corals.
Feeding
Pocillopora primarily feed on microorganisms like Phytoplankton and Zooplankton, requiring liquid and powdery foods for nutrition. Feeding these corals can be done by using the cloudy supernate formed after thawing frozen food and spraying it on the colonies with a turkey baster. Even when it is not visibly apparent, regular feeding can support the growth and vitality of Pocillopora colonies.
Propagation
Pocillopora corals have been extensively propagated in captivity and are well-suited for aquaculture. They exhibit a unique reproductive method known as polyp bailout, where individual polyps detach from the base skeleton and relocate to establish new colonies. Branching SPS corals like Pocillopora can display diverse shapes and colors based on their location in the reef, emphasizing the importance of starting with frags to allow them to grow and adapt to a specific reef setup gradually.
Localization & Habitat
In the wild, Pocillopora corals are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, including islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their preference for strong surge zones in their natural habitat influences their water flow requirements in aquarium settings, highlighting the importance of replicating their native environment for optimal health and growth.