Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about pocillopora and birdsnest corals.
What exactly is a Pocillopora or 'birdsnest coral'?
Pocillopora is a genus of stony corals in the family Pocilloporidae, named for colonies that resemble small bird nests because of their short, branching, cup-tipped structure. It is one of the most widespread coral genera across tropical Indo-Pacific reefs.
Why are they called 'birdsnest corals'?
The common name comes from the rounded, nest-like silhouette a colony forms when its many short branches radiate outward from a central base. Each branch tip carries a shallow corallite cup, giving the whole colony the look of a woven bird's nest from above.
Where do Pocillopora corals live in the wild?
They range from the Red Sea and East African coast across the Indian Ocean to the central Pacific. They favor shallow, high-energy reef flats and lagoon margins where wave action is strong but water is clear.
How big do Pocillopora colonies typically grow?
Most colonies stay modest, usually a few centimeters up to roughly 30–40 cm across. They are noticeably smaller than many Acropora species, though dense thickets of many colonies can cover large reef areas over time.
What does an individual Pocillopora polyp look like?
Each polyp is small—generally 2 to 5 mm across—with a short cylindrical body and a ring of fine, short tentacles. The corallite housing it is shallow and open, which gives the colony surface a bumpy, pitted texture.
Are Pocillopora corals a good choice for a reef aquarium?
They are widely regarded as hardy and forgiving, which makes them a popular first SPS coral for hobbyists. They tolerate a broader range of lighting and flow than many other stony corals, though stable temperature, alkalinity, and salinity remain essential.
How do Pocillopora corals reproduce?
They reproduce sexually by releasing synchronized clouds of eggs and sperm into the water column, and asexually through branch fragmentation and budding of new growth. The broadcast-spawning biology of several Pocillopora species is one of the most studied systems in coral ecology.
What is the role of zooxanthellae in Pocillopora?
Pocillopora tissues harbor symbiotic dinoflagellate algae that photosynthesize and supply the coral with the vast majority of its metabolic energy. In exchange, the coral provides the algae with a protected niche and nutrient-rich waste products.
How do Pocillopora corals respond to ocean warming and bleaching?
They are moderately sensitive to thermal stress, and mass-bleaching events have visibly reduced their cover on many reefs. That said, some populations show greater heat tolerance than others, and Pocillopora often recolonizes damaged substrate relatively quickly compared to slower-growing corals.
What is the main difference between Pocillopora and Acropora?
Acropora tends to grow into much larger, more elaborate branching or table shapes, while Pocillopora stays compact and nest-like with shorter, thicker branches. Acropora polyps are generally larger, and its colonies can reach several meters, far exceeding Pocillopora's modest size.