Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Pocillopora corals are second to that of Acropora when it comes to reef building. They generally need good water quality, very good water movement and strong lighting. Captive-bred specimens are much more adaptable to closed systems than specimens from the wild. They are aggressive and have short 1 inch (2.5 cm) sweeper tentacles. A fast grower under the right circumstances and is said to have a short life span in the wild, probably less than eight years. (Richmond, 1987, 1988)
Those in the Genus Seriatopora are thinly branched photosynthetic corals that mostly take a bush-like form. Found in a wide variety of locations, e.g., reef crests, sheltered reef slopes, and lagoons and usually a bright pink. In closed systems, moderate to intense bright light and medium water movement is needed to keep this coral looking its best.
Stylophora corals form small clusters with short finger-like projections. They are found on reef edges where wave energy is high. Colors include pink, green, and blue forms. These photosynthetic corals need strong lighting to keep their colors, and very good water movement. At night it exhibits short sweeper tentacles, about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
