Verrucosa Pocillopora (Pocillopora verrucosa) Care Guide
Pocillopora verrucosa is a stout-branched SPS coral with prominent verrucae, common in shallow Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reefs and photosynthetic in the aquarium.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pocillopora verrucosa is a reef-building branching small-polyp stony (SPS) coral of the family Pocilloporidae, with stout branches bearing prominent verrucae (wart-like growths). Pink and green colour morphs are popular in the hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pocilloporidae
- Genus: Pocillopora
- Scientific name: Pocillopora verrucosa
- Authority: Ellis & Solander, 1786
- Growth form: branching
Habitat
It is commonly found throughout the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific, mostly in shallow water. 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 occurs at depths down to about 54 m (177 ft) but is most common between 1 and 15 m.
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 ~3 months)
Placement & lighting
Pocillopora tolerate a wide range of light and flow but develop better coloration under stronger light, so acclimate gradually to bright lighting. The stout branches suit high-flow placements that keep the colony free of detritus.
Feeding
It is photosynthetic, obtaining most of its energy from symbiotic zooxanthellae; dedicated target-feeding is not essential. Maintaining stable lighting and water chemistry is the priority.
Compatibility
It is a passive, reef-safe coral, safe with fish and shrimp. As with other Pocillopora, crustacean pests can occasionally attack it, and a coral dip may help with unexplained tissue loss.
Propagating Pocillopora verrucosa (Verrucosa Pocillopora)
Overview
Pocillopora verrucosa is a branching small-polyp stony coral of the family Pocilloporidae with stout branches and prominent verrucae. It is less heavily branched and more compact than P. damicornis. Colours vary with light and water movement, and the coral hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae. The genus is distributed across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Reproductive Mode
Pocillopora polyps carry both male and female reproductive organs. The genus broods larvae internally and releases them when mature, and it also reproduces asexually by fragmentation.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
The stout branches of P. verrucosa are very easy to frag. Cut a branch with coral cutters and glue it to a plug; the thicker structure handles cutting well. Coral cutters are inexpensive and usable 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.
- Provide strong flow and light again within a few hours.
Conditions for Propagation
This species thrives in strong flow. The Aquairi record targets medium-high light (about 200-350 PAR), high flow and 24-26 C.
Sexual Reproduction
Within Pocillopora the larvae develop inside the polyps rather than free-floating in the water, and mature larvae can drift for several weeks before settling. Colonies can also disperse over long distances by attaching to floating objects.
Common Challenges
Pocillopora is a strong competitor; in mixed reefs leave space around verrucosa frags. Polyps feed at night by extending tentacles to capture plankton.