Purple Pocillopora Coral

Purple Pocillopora Coral

 

Available for local pickup and shipping

Common Names

• Purple Pocillopora
• Purple Cauliflower Coral
• Bird's Nest Pocillopora
• Brush Coral

Identification

Scientific Name: Pocillopora damicornis (and related Pocillopora species)
 

Size: Frags typically range from 1–3 inches, with mature colonies capable of reaching 6–10 inches or more depending on conditions.

Purple Pocillopora is a beautiful small polyp stony (SPS) coral known for its compact branching structure and vibrant purple coloration. The branches are covered with tiny polyps that extend throughout the day, giving the coral a soft, fuzzy appearance and adding excellent movement to a reef aquarium.

 

Behavior & Role in a Reef Tank

Purple Pocillopora serves as both an eye-catching centerpiece and a habitat for beneficial microfauna. Its intricate branching structure provides shelter for copepods and small invertebrates, while its bright coloration creates contrast against green and orange corals. Under stable conditions, this coral can grow relatively quickly and form impressive colonies.

 

Compatibility & Caution

Purple Pocillopora is generally reef safe and peaceful but should be provided with enough space to grow. Like many SPS corals, it prefers stable water parameters and may not tolerate sudden fluctuations in alkalinity, salinity, or temperature. Some varieties are known to release larvae and establish small colonies elsewhere in the aquarium, which many hobbyists consider a bonus.

 

Care Level

Moderate

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–78°F (24–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
• Calcium: 420–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
• Nitrate: 2–15 ppm
• Phosphate: 0.03–0.10 ppm

 

Lighting: Moderate to High PAR (200–350 PAR)

 

Water Flow: Moderate to Strong, turbulent flow to keep polyps clean and healthy.

 

Diet: Primarily photosynthetic through symbiotic zooxanthellae but benefits from occasional feedings of fine planktonic foods, amino acids, and reef nutrition supplements.

 

Tank Mates

Compatible with:

• Clownfish
• Gobies and Blennies
• Wrasses
• Tangs
• Most peaceful reef-safe fish
• Other SPS and LPS corals with adequate spacing

Avoid housing with coral-eating species or aggressive corals that may sting neighboring colonies.

 

Fun Fact

Purple Pocillopora is one of the few SPS corals that can naturally reproduce in home aquariums by releasing tiny larvae, sometimes resulting in baby colonies appearing throughout the reef tank. Its fuzzy appearance and relatively fast growth have made it a favorite among both beginner and experienced SPS keepers.