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.
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.