Cauliflower Hard Coral Pocillopora Sp

Cauliflower Hard Coral (Pocillopora sp.)

(Also known as Cauliflower Coral, Brush Coral, or Cluster Coral)

Overview

The Cauliflower Coral (Pocillopora sp.) is a beautiful and hardy small-polyp stony (SPS) coral recognised for its dense, compact growth and bushy, cauliflower-like branches. Its surfaces are covered with small, evenly spaced corallites that give it a textured, velvety appearance. Colours range from pink, green, and brown to yellow and vivid purple, often glowing under actinic or blue LED lighting. Fast-growing and resilient, Pocillopora is an excellent SPS coral for aquarists progressing from soft or LPS corals into more advanced reef species.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in shallow reef slopes, lagoons, and upper reef crests, where it receives strong light and turbulent water flow.

Feeding

The Cauliflower Coral is photosynthetic, hosting zooxanthellae that provide most of its nutrition through photosynthesis. It can, however, benefit from occasional supplemental feeding to promote growth and colour intensity:

• Marine phytoplankton and microplankton
• Fine powdered coral foods (e.g. Reef-Roids)
• Amino acid or trace element supplements

Feed 1–2 times per week, especially in ultra-low nutrient systems or heavily skimmed reefs.

Lighting

High lighting required.Pocillopora thrives under strong, full-spectrum illumination from LED, T5, or metal halidesystems.

• PAR range: 250–400 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s
• Gradually acclimate to intense light to prevent bleaching.
• Under optimal lighting, colours become more vibrant and growth dense.

Water Flow

Strong, turbulent flow. Random and multidirectional currents are essential to keep the coral clean, deliver oxygen, and prevent detritus buildup. This also encourages thick, even growth. Avoid direct laminar flow that could damage delicate branch tips.

Placement

• Place in the upper to mid-levels of the aquarium, where lighting and water movement are strongest.
• Mount securely to rockwork or a frag plug — colonies can grow quickly and form substantial branches.
• Allow space around the coral to prevent shading or contact with aggressive neighbours.

Tank Mates

Peaceful and reef safe. Compatible with:

• All reef-safe fish (clownfish, tangs, gobies, wrasses, etc.)
• Reef-safe invertebrates (snails, hermits, shrimp, etc.)
• Other SPS corals with adequate spacing

Avoid:

• Corals with long, aggressive sweeper tentacles (e.g. Galaxea, Euphyllia)
• Butterflyfish and large angelfish that may nip at polyps

Aggression

Peaceful. Does not extend long sweeper tentacles but can engage in mild chemical warfare with nearby corals if placed too closely. Maintain several centimetres of spacing.

Experience Level

Intermediate.Pocillopora is more forgiving than many SPS corals, tolerating moderate fluctuations if general water quality is stable. It’s an ideal coral for aquarists ready to transition into SPS care.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
• Hardness (dKH): 8–12
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm
• Nitrate: <10 ppm
• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) for stable water chemistry and flow

Regular testing and dosing of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium are crucial for steady skeletal growth and polyp health.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Cauliflower Coral adds texture, colour, and structure to reef aquariums. Its dense, branching colonies provide habitat for small reef fish and invertebrates, and its resilience makes it a cornerstone species for SPS or mixed reef environments.