Seriatopora hystrix

Datasheet

General Description

The Birdsnest Coral, also known as Seriatopora Needle, Finger, or Brush Coral, belongs to the Pocilloporidae family. This small polyp stony (SPS) coral features delicate, thin branches with needle-like tips and comes in various shades of pink, adding beauty and color to a reef aquarium.

Demands and Hardiness

The Birdsnest Coral thrives under moderate care requirements, needing strong lighting and moderate water current to maintain its vibrant colors. Additionally, supplementing the water with calcium, strontium, and trace elements is essential for its continued health. While the coral does not rely heavily on additional feeding, it can feed on micro-plankton and specialized filter-feeding invertebrate foods.

Lighting

High lighting is recommended for the Birdsnest Coral to enhance its coloration. While this coral can tolerate lower light conditions, brighter lighting promotes more vivid hues. Acclimating the coral to intense lighting sources like metal halides and LEDs may require a longer adjustment period.

Water Flow

The Birdsnest Coral benefits from medium to strong water flow, mirroring its natural habitat in the Indo-Pacific where it thrives in strong surge zones. Providing adequate water movement in the aquarium is crucial for the health of the coral.

Feeding

Birdsnest Corals feed on small particles like Phytoplankton and Zooplankton, with liquid and powdery foods being suitable choices. Feeding can be facilitated by spraying cloudy supernate from thawed frozen food onto the coral using a turkey baster.

Propagation

This coral species can be effectively propagated through methods like polyp bailout, where individual polyps detach from the base skeleton to form new colonies. Starting with frags is recommended, as Pocillopora colonies can struggle when placed in new setups, displaying different shapes and colors based on their reef location.

Localization & Habitat

Natively found in the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, the Birdsnest Coral prefers placement in the middle to top sections of the aquarium. Known for their reef-building productivity, Pocillopora corals contribute significantly to the structure of reef ecosystems due to their adaptable nature.