{"product_id":"coral-sea-bubble-hard-coral-plerogyra-sp","title":"Coral Sea Bubble Hard Coral Plerogyra Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eCoral Sea Bubble Hard Coral (Plerogyra sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Bubble Coral, Pearl Coral, or Grape Coral)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coral Sea Bubble Coral (\u003cem\u003ePlerogyra\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a distinctive and eye-catching \u003cstrong\u003elarge-polyp stony (LPS) coral\u003c\/strong\u003erecognised for its \u003cstrong\u003elarge, inflated, bubble-like vesicles\u003c\/strong\u003e that shimmer under aquarium lighting. These translucent “bubbles” expand during the day to maximise light exposure and contract at night, revealing the coral’s hard skeleton and sweeper tentacles. Typically green, cream, or metallic blue in colour, this coral adds unique shape and motion to reef aquariums. Hardy and moderately easy to care for, \u003cem\u003ePlerogyra\u003c\/em\u003e is a long-standing favourite among LPS enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the Coral Sea, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in \u003cstrong\u003esheltered reef slopes and lagoons\u003c\/strong\u003e with moderate light and gentle water flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Bubble Coral is \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, housing \u003cstrong\u003ezooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e that provide most of its nutrition through photosynthesis. Supplemental feeding improves growth, colour, and bubble inflation. Offer \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 feedings per week\u003c\/strong\u003e of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysis shrimp or finely chopped meaty foods\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine snow or zooplankton blends\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecialised LPS coral foods\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed at night or during reduced lighting when the coral’s feeder tentacles are extended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlerogyra\u003c\/em\u003e prefers gentle, indirect illumination from \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide\u003c\/strong\u003e lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePAR range: \u003cstrong\u003e75–150 ¬µmol\/m¬≤\/s\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcessive light can cause bleaching or reduced bubble expansion.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue-spectrum lighting enhances its natural iridescence.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate, indirect flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle currents are ideal to prevent debris buildup and promote gas exchange. Avoid direct flow, as it may cause the bubbles to tear or retract excessively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition in the \u003cstrong\u003elower regions\u003c\/strong\u003e of the aquarium, ideally on \u003cstrong\u003esandy substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e or stable rockwork sheltered from strong current.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide \u003cstrong\u003eample space (15–20 cm \/ 6–8 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e around the coral — \u003cem\u003ePlerogyra\u003c\/em\u003e extends long, stinging sweeper tentacles at night.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid contact with rocks or corals that could puncture its delicate tissue.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable companions include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful invertebrates such as snails, shrimp, and hermits\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther LPS corals placed at a safe distance\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive corals (e.g., Galaxea, Euphyllia) within reach of its sweepers\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterflyfish, angelfish, and puffers that may nip at bubbles\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerately aggressive.\u003c\/strong\u003e At night, \u003cem\u003ePlerogyra\u003c\/em\u003e extends long sweeper tentacles capable of stinging and damaging nearby corals. Maintain generous spacing to prevent coral warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeginner to intermediate.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlerogyra\u003c\/em\u003e is hardy and forgiving if kept in stable conditions with moderate light and low flow. Suitable for aquarists with basic LPS coral experience.\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 1.024–1.026 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\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 stability and space\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain excellent water quality and stability for healthy bubble expansion and tissue regeneration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Coral Sea Bubble Coral makes a stunning centrepiece for LPS or mixed reef aquariums, but its long sweepers and delicate tissue require thoughtful placement. Under blue or actinic lighting, its inflated vesicles shimmer beautifully, making it a true show coral.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864403390839,"sku":"FSH-01183","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Coral-Sea-Bubble-Hard-Coral-Plerogyra-Sp.png?v=1773331165","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/coral-sea-bubble-hard-coral-plerogyra-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}