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Datasheet
| Care Description | Bird’s Nest Corals are some of the fastest growing SPS corals. They benefit from strong flow however their lighting requirements vary from colony to colony. In our experience, the pink varieties enjoy higher lighting conditions than the others. The yellow bird’s nest actually prefers subdued lighting. Once settled in, these corals take on incredible colors and can be propagated sustainably. Please see below for additional care tips for Seriatopora Bird’s Nest Corals. |
| 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
Bird's Nest Corals, specifically the Seriatopora genus, are known for their rapid growth rate among Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals. These corals exhibit a variety of colors and fluoresce vibrantly under specific lighting conditions. The Yellow Bird's Nest variety is particularly popular due to its quick growth and striking appearance under actinic lighting.
Demands and Hardiness
Bird's Nest Corals thrive in setups with strong water flow, as they require sufficient movement to reach the polyps located in the center of the colony. These corals are generally hardy once acclimated to aquarium conditions. However, during shipping, they can be fragile and prone to breakage, a characteristic that enables easy propagation by attaching broken pieces to form new colonies.
Lighting
The lighting requirements for Bird's Nest Corals vary among different color varieties. Pink Bird's Nest corals generally prefer higher lighting conditions, while the yellow variety thrives best under subdued lighting. The appearance of the corals can change significantly depending on the spectrum and intensity of the light they receive, with those under higher lighting appearing lighter in color.
Water Flow
Strong water movement is crucial for Bird's Nest Corals, especially as they grow larger and require increased flow to ensure all polyps receive adequate nutrients. This strong water flow mimics their natural habitat conditions and supports their overall health and growth in an aquarium environment.
Feeding
Bird's Nest Corals primarily rely on the products generated by their symbiotic zooxanthellae for nutrition. However, they can also capture and consume phytoplankton and similarly sized microfauna present in the water column. Suitable food sources for these corals include liquid and powdery foods containing Phytoplankton and Zooplankton particles ranging from 20um to 1mm.
Propagation
The Seriatopora genus, to which Bird's Nest Corals belong, has been extensively propagated in captivity and is considered an excellent candidate for aquaculture. These corals demonstrate the potential for sustainable harvesting through responsible propagation practices, such as re-gluing broken fragments to form new colonies. This propagation method contributes to the conservation and proliferation of Bird's Nest Corals in reef ecosystems.
Localization & Habitat
Bird's Nest Corals, specifically the Yellow Bird's Nest Seriatopora variety, are native to the Indo-Pacific region, encompassing islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. In their natural habitat, these corals are found on reef structures where they benefit from abundant sunlight, strong water currents, and a diverse range of nutrient sources essential for their growth and survival.