Caliendrum Bird's Nest (Seriatopora caliendrum) Care Guide
Seriatopora caliendrum is a bushy SPS coral in the family Pocilloporidae with thicker, blunt-tipped branches than S. hystrix; it is listed as Near Threatened.
Overview
Seriatopora caliendrum, the green bird's nest coral, is a small-polyp stony coral in the family Pocilloporidae, described by Ehrenberg in 1834. It forms a bushy clump whose branches are rather thicker and have blunter tips than the related S. hystrix, with corallites arranged in neat rows of mostly hooded, oval openings.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pocilloporidae
- Genus: Seriatopora
- Scientific name: Seriatopora caliendrum
- Authority: Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1834
Habitat
The species is native to East Africa, the Red Sea and the western Indo-Pacific, with the Red Sea as its type locality. It grows from shallow water to about 25 m, favouring reef slopes and especially back-reef slopes.
Symbiosis and feeding
Like other shallow-water pocilloporids it is zooxanthellate, relying on symbiotic algae for most of its energy through photosynthesis. In aquaria lighting drives its growth, supported by amino-acid supplements.
Reef-tank requirements
- Lighting: 150-300 PAR (medium-high)
- Flow: medium-high
- 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
- Phosphate: below 0.05 ppm
- Nitrate: below 10 ppm
- Minimum tank maturity: about 3 months
Compatibility
It is a passive, reef-safe coral suitable alongside fish and shrimp. Stable chemistry and consistent medium-high flow help maintain colour and prevent tissue recession.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (2014).