Cauliflower Coral (Pocillopora damicornis) Care Guide
Pocillopora damicornis is a hardy branching SPS coral with verrucae-covered branches, photosynthetic and a classic beginner choice for reef tanks.
Overview
Pocillopora damicornis, known as cauliflower or lace coral, is a branching small-polyp stony (SPS) coral of the family Pocilloporidae. Colonies grow up to about 30 cm (12 in) high and are distinguished by irregularly arranged verrucae (wart-like growths) on the branches. The form is more open in calm areas and more compact on exposed upper reef. It is one of the most beginner-friendly SPS corals.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pocilloporidae
- Genus: Pocillopora
- Scientific name: Pocillopora damicornis
- Growth form: branching
Habitat
Its wide range extends from East Africa and the Red Sea to Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, Easter Island and the western coast of Central America. It grows on reef slopes, in lagoons, and on mangroves and wharves at depths to about 40 m (131 ft), and is most common between 5 and 20 m (16 and 66 ft).
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.025-1.026
- Alkalinity (dKH): 7.5-9
- Calcium: 420-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm
- Nitrate: below 10 ppm; Phosphate: below 0.05 ppm
- Lighting: ~150-300 PAR (medium-high)
- Flow: high
- Established tank (minimum age ~3 months)
Placement & lighting
Pocillopora are among the most adaptable SPS corals and tolerate a wide range of light and flow; they can grow under medium light and flow but develop better coloration under stronger light. Acclimate slowly to brighter lighting to avoid burning. General requirements are medium to high flow.
Feeding
It is photosynthetic, hosting symbiotic zooxanthellae that produce energy-rich molecules through photosynthesis; the coral derives most of its nutrition from light, so dedicated target-feeding is not essential. It is reported to be relatively resistant to bleaching.
Compatibility
It is a passive, reef-safe coral, safe with fish and shrimp. It is generally very hardy, but some crustacean pests prey on Pocillopora, and a pest-control dip may help if unexplained tissue loss occurs.
Breeding
Pocillopora damicornis is a simultaneous hermaphrodite that releases planular larvae around the new moon, with larvae remaining viable for as much as 100 days; it also reproduces asexually by fragmentation and by polyp bailout, which makes it easy to frag in captivity.
Conservation status
The IUCN lists Pocillopora damicornis as Least Concern, and it is listed on CITES Appendix II.