Bird's Nest Coral
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
This coral may harbor crabs that live symbiotically in the colony. Janine Cairns-Michael
[edit] Overview
One of the most distinctive corals kept by hobbyists, this species is highly and characteristically branched. The branches often have very sharp (dangerously sharp) points. Because the branches often grow toward one another to form a “nest,” this species has been given the common name bird’s nest coral. The branches also often meet and fuse. The basic color may be green, brown, white, yellow, or pink; the coral tends to turn brown under less than ideal aquarium conditions.
Family: Pocilloporidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Maximum length: 46 cm (18 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Lighting: Needs bright illumination.
Placement: In full bright light.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Zooxanthellate. May feed on fine particulate foods.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Excellent reef aquarium animal. It is not particularly aggressive and will react negatively to nearby corals.
[edit] Special Care
In addition to needing bright light, it requires moderate to strong currents.
[edit] Notes
Rather easy to maintain, its requirements are similar to those of the Acropora species.
| Common name | Bird's Nest Coral + |
| Family | Pocilloporidae + |
| Genus | Seriatopora + |
| Image credit | JCM + |
| Lighting | Needs bright illumination. + |
| Maximum length | 18 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific + |
| Placement | In full bright light. + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | hystrix + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |