Antler Pocillopora (Pocillopora eydouxi) Care Guide
Pocillopora eydouxi is a robust antler-like branching SPS coral of shallow Indo-Pacific reefs, photosynthetic and suited to high-flow reef zones.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pocillopora eydouxi is a branching small-polyp stony (SPS) coral of the family Pocilloporidae, with thicker, antler-like branches than the closely related Pocillopora damicornis. It is a robust species well suited to high-flow reef zones.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pocilloporidae
- Genus: Pocillopora
- Scientific name: Pocillopora eydouxi
- Growth form: branching
Habitat
It is an Indo-Pacific species described in the scientific literature as a shallow-water coral, with a distribution ranging from 0 to about 15 m depth, alongside P. verrucosa, P. meandrina and P. damicornis.
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: ~200-350 PAR (medium-high)
- Flow: high
- Established tank (minimum age ~6 months)
Placement & lighting
Pocillopora tolerate a wide range of light and flow but develop better coloration under stronger light; acclimate gradually to bright lighting to avoid burning. Its robust, thick branches suit high-flow placements where water movement keeps the colony clean.
Feeding
It is photosynthetic and derives most of its nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae, so dedicated target-feeding is not essential. Stable lighting and water chemistry are the main priorities.
Compatibility
It is a passive, reef-safe coral, safe with fish and shrimp. As with other Pocillopora, some crustacean pests can attack it, and a coral dip can help if unexplained tissue loss appears.
Propagating Pocillopora eydouxi (Antler Pocillopora)
Overview
Pocillopora eydouxi is a branching small-polyp stony coral of the family Pocilloporidae with thicker, antler-like branches than P. damicornis. Like other Pocillopora it is covered in wart-like verrucae, varies in colour with environment, and houses symbiotic zooxanthellae that supply energy through photosynthesis. The genus occurs across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Reproductive Mode
Pocillopora are hermaphroditic: polyps bear both male and female reproductive organs. The genus broods larvae internally, releasing them when mature, and also reproduces asexually by fragmentation.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Branching Pocillopora frags very easily. Cut a branch with coral cutters and mount it on a plug; the sturdier branches of P. eydouxi tolerate handling well. Coral cutters are inexpensive and can be used inside the tank.
- Cut a branch a few centimetres long with coral cutters.
- Apply cyanoacrylate glue to a frag plug.
- Seat the branch base, hold about 30 seconds, then return it to the tank.
- Restore strong flow and light within a few hours.
Conditions for Propagation
This robust species favours high-flow zones. The Aquairi record targets medium-high light (about 200-350 PAR), high flow and 24-26 C, with a more mature tank (around six months) recommended before adding it.
Sexual Reproduction
In Pocillopora the larvae develop inside the polyps rather than free-floating; mature planulae are released and can drift for several weeks before settling. Long-distance dispersal is also aided by colonies attaching to floating objects.
Common Challenges
As a high-flow species, P. eydouxi can recede in stagnant areas. Pocillopora polyps extend tentacles at night to capture plankton, so feeding behaviour is nocturnal.