Common Names

Lace Coral, Raspberry Coral

Description

ThePocillopora has a wide range of habitat and a variety of growth formations even in the same habitat. Pocillopora can be generally described as having tight clusters of branches with fuzzy polyps.

Care Level: Moderate

Placement: Top

Lighting: Moderate to High

Flow: High

Conditions: 73°-79°, s.g. 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, Cal 400-450, dKH 8-10, Mag 1350-1500, Sr 10

Conditions & Placement

Pocillopora are more forgiving of “dirty” water conditions than other SPS.Pocillopora growth will conform to the water flow conditions in the aquarium it will form thicker tighter branches in turbulent flow and thinner more spaced branches in low flow.Pocillopora prefer bright lilght conditions but will adapt to moderate lighting.

Feeding

Pocilloporagets most of its nutrition for zooxanthellae and dissolved organic matter but can also be fed zooplankton once a week.

Maintenance

A mature tank is recommended. Bi-weekly water changes of at least 10% are important for keeping water condition stable. Nitrate levels should be kept low. Maintaining consistent water parameters are important. Some fish for organic matter production is also important.

Warnings

Pocillopora coral can be sensitive to temperature changes. They are also susceptible to stress from shipping or moving. Pocillopora are agresive and have sweeper tentacles that will sting nearby corals.

Signs of Problems

• - Signs of lack of food include no new growth, polyps extending and tissue recession