Pocillopora Coral Care Guide
Pocillopora damicornis is a hardy, bleaching-resistant small-polyp stony coral with compact branching, widely kept and propagated as a starter SPS.
Overview
Pocillopora damicornis is a colonial small-polyp stony (SPS) coral described by Linnaeus in 1758. It grows up to about 30 cm high and carries irregularly arranged verrucae (wart-like growths), making it more branched than the similar P. verrucosa. Its form varies by habitat — open and branched in calm areas, more compact on upper reefs — and colours range from greenish and pink to yellowish-brown and pale brown.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pocilloporidae
- Genus: Pocillopora
- Scientific name: Pocillopora damicornis
- Common names: cauliflower coral, lace coral
Habitat
The species is native to tropical and subtropical regions from East Africa and the Red Sea to Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, Easter Island and the western coast of Central America. It is found on reef slopes, in lagoons, among mangroves and on wharves, often forming dense patches, and does not thrive in areas with strong water movement. It occurs most commonly at 5-20 m and to a maximum of about 40 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: high
- Water flow: moderate to high
Diet
The coral is photosynthetic through symbiotic zooxanthellae, and its polyps extend their tentacles at night to feed on plankton.
Reef compatibility
It is a hardy, peaceful coral that is comparatively resistant to bleaching and fragments readily, which is why it is commonly traded. Its branches provide shelter for small crabs and shrimp.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is also listed on CITES Appendix II.