{"product_id":"cauliflower-hard-coral-pocillopora-sp","title":"Cauliflower Hard Coral Pocillopora Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eCauliflower Hard Coral (Pocillopora sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Cauliflower Coral, Brush Coral, or Cluster Coral)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Cauliflower Coral (\u003cem\u003ePocillopora\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a beautiful and hardy \u003cstrong\u003esmall-polyp stony (SPS) coral\u003c\/strong\u003e recognised for its \u003cstrong\u003edense, compact growth\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ebushy, cauliflower-like branches\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its surfaces are covered with small, evenly spaced corallites that give it a textured, velvety appearance. Colours range from \u003cstrong\u003epink, green, and brown\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003eyellow and vivid purple\u003c\/strong\u003e, often glowing under actinic or blue LED lighting. Fast-growing and resilient, \u003cem\u003ePocillopora\u003c\/em\u003e is an excellent SPS coral for aquarists progressing from soft or LPS corals into more advanced reef species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in \u003cstrong\u003eshallow reef slopes, lagoons, and upper reef crests\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it receives strong light and turbulent water flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Cauliflower Coral is \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, hosting \u003cstrong\u003ezooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e that provide most of its nutrition through photosynthesis. It can, however, benefit from occasional supplemental feeding to promote growth and colour intensity:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine phytoplankton and microplankton\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine powdered coral foods (e.g. Reef-Roids)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmino acid or trace element supplements\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially in ultra-low nutrient systems or heavily skimmed reefs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh lighting required.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePocillopora\u003c\/em\u003e thrives under strong, full-spectrum illumination from \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide\u003c\/strong\u003esystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePAR range: \u003cstrong\u003e250–400 ¬µmol\/m¬≤\/s\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGradually acclimate to intense light to prevent bleaching.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnder optimal lighting, colours become more vibrant and growth dense.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrong, turbulent flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace in the \u003cstrong\u003eupper to mid-levels\u003c\/strong\u003e of the aquarium, where lighting and water movement are strongest.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount securely to rockwork or a frag plug — colonies can grow quickly and form substantial branches.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow space around the coral to prevent shading or contact with aggressive neighbours.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful and reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll reef-safe fish (clownfish, tangs, gobies, wrasses, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef-safe invertebrates (snails, hermits, shrimp, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther SPS corals with adequate spacing\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorals with long, aggressive sweeper tentacles (e.g. Galaxea, Euphyllia)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterflyfish and large angelfish that may nip at polyps\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePocillopora\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.025–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400–450 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1250–1350 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhosphate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;0.03 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;10 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e75 gallons (280L)\u003c\/strong\u003e for stable water chemistry and flow\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular testing and dosing of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium are crucial for steady skeletal growth and polyp health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864403226999,"sku":"FSH-01180","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Cauliflower-Hard-Coral-Pocillopora-Sp.png?v=1773331162","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/cauliflower-hard-coral-pocillopora-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}