Birdsnest Coral Care Guide
Seriatopora hystrix is a small-polyp stony coral forming tangled, needle-like branches; it is a fast-growing reef species kept under bright light and moderate flow.
Overview
Seriatopora hystrix is a small-polyp stony (SPS) coral described by Dana in 1846. It forms a tangled, bushy clump of fragile, slender, tapering branches with pointed tips, and colonies can grow to a metre across. Branches carry neat rows of oval, cup-shaped corallite depressions with raised rims, and colour varies between cream, pink, yellow, brown or blue.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pocilloporidae
- Genus: Seriatopora
- Scientific name: Seriatopora hystrix
- Common names: birdsnest coral, needle coral
Habitat
Its range extends from East Africa, Madagascar and the Red Sea through the Indian Ocean to tropical Australia, Japan, the South China Sea and the West and Central Pacific island groups. It is found on reefs and reef flats, sheltered lagoons and fore-reef slopes, mostly at depths between 3 and 15 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Lighting: moderate to high
- Water flow: moderate to high
Diet
The species is zooxanthellate, housing symbiotic dinoflagellates and obtaining most of its nutrition through this symbiosis. Stable calcium and alkalinity support its skeletal growth.
Reef compatibility
It is a peaceful branching coral whose fragile branches require careful handling. Fragments root quickly, which makes it a commonly propagated and traded SPS.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. Threats include ocean acidification, climate change and habitat loss.