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.
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.