Got myself a Cauliflower Coral yesterday and thought i would post abit about it here.
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The Pocillopora Cauliflower Coral is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral that is also referred to as Bird's Nest, Lace, Cluster, or Brush Coral. The genus name, Pocillopora, was derived from the Latin words pocillium (bowl) and porus (pore), which describes the bowl-shaped pores in its calcareous skeletal structure. The appearance of the colonies with polyps extended actually gives this species its more common name, Cauliflower Coral. It is a highly branched coral, and the most common colors are brown and pink. Aquacultured specimens are available.
It is a semi-aggressive coral and adequate room for expansion should be provided between itself and other corals. The Pocillopora Cauliflower Coral can be difficult to acclimate to the aquarium, but once established, becomes quite hardy for an SPS coral, and may grow rapidly. Provide enough space between this and other corals to allow for this growth. It requires a high light level combined with a strong water movement within the aquarium, and good water quality. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
Its diet should include additional feedings of micro-plankton or other micro-foods twice a week.
Family: Pocilloporidae
Polyp Size: SPS - Small polyp stony
Range: Indo-Pacific, Eastern Pacific
Color Form: Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Yellow
Ideal Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace elements
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Water Flow: Strong
Light: High
Dominance: Semi-aggressive
Placement: High to Medium
Care Level: Difficult
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