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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, despite being less popular in the reef aquarium hobby, are second only to Acropora in reef-building productivity in the wild, with their skeletons forming a significant part of the reef's structure. The Neon Green Pocillopora is a fast-growing branching SPS coral, making it great for beginners in SPS reefs.
Demands and Hardiness
Pocillopora is known for its adaptability, tolerating a wide range of both light and water flow conditions. It thrives under high lighting, which enhances its coloration and growth. Strong water movement is recommended, mirroring the surge zones where Pocillopora are commonly found in the wild.
Lighting
High lighting tends to bring out the best coloration in Pocillopora. While they can also do well under lower light conditions, brighter lighting will develop brighter coloration. Acclimating Pocillopora to intense lighting sources like metal halides and LEDs may require a longer period due to their needs.
Water Flow
Strong water movement is recommended for Pocillopora, as they are typically found in very strong surge zones in the wild. This replicates their natural environment and ensures their health and growth in captivity.
Feeding
Pocillopora feeds on the smallest particles, such as Phytoplankton and Zooplankton. Feeding them with liquid and powdery foods containing these particles is suitable. Even when it's not obvious that they are eating, using a turkey baster to spray cloudy supernate formed after thawing frozen food on the colonies can be beneficial.
Propagation
Pocillopora is extensively propagated in captivity and is suitable for aquaculture. They reproduce effectively through polyp bailout, where individual polyps detach from the base skeleton to form new colonies. Starting with frags is recommended, allowing them to adapt and grow in a specific reef setup to prevent potential die-off when introduced to a new aquarium.
Localization & Habitat
Originating from the Indo-Pacific region, including islands like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, Pocillopora thrives in diverse marine environments. Their ability to adapt to varying locations within the reef results in different shapes and colors, emphasizing the importance of suitable reef setup for optimal growth and health.