Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa) Care Guide
A fascinating LPS coral that inflates large bubble-like vesicles during the day for photosynthesis, then deflates at night to reveal sweeper tentacles.
Overview
Plerogyra sinuosa is a species in the family Caryophylliidae. A fascinating LPS coral that inflates large bubble-like vesicles during the day for photosynthesis, then deflates at night to reveal sweeper tentacles. The bubbles are fragile and can be easily damaged by sharp objects or aggressive tank mates. Moderate care required.
Taxonomy
- Family: Caryophylliidae
- Genus: Plerogyra
- Scientific name: Plerogyra sinuosa
- Origin: Indo-Pacific
Habitat
Plerogyra sinuosa is a large-polyp stony coral of Indo-Pacific reefs that inflates grape-like vesicles in daylight to expose its symbiotic algae to light, retracting them at night to extend feeding tentacles. The delicate bubbles are easily damaged by strong flow or handling.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- KH: 8-12 dKH
- Water flow: low
- Adult size: 8-20 cm
- Lifespan: 10-25 years
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: weekly + photosynthetic. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Position in tank: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Gobies, Wrasses
- Avoid with: Sharp Decorations, Urchins, Hermit Crabs
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe with caution: may disturb other sessile invertebrates, sting neighbouring corals or prey on small ornamental shrimps, so placement and tankmates need consideration.