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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Caryophylliidae (Stony Corals)
Habitat: Often found in caves and recesses on reefs in protected zones, often hanging upside-down
Light: Low Water Flow: Low Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: These corals have zooxanthellae which provide much of their nutrition. It is believed they also feed on microzooplankton and directly absorb some nutrients from the water.
Natural History: Snow White Bubble Coral are relatively rare on reefs. Their unusual bubble-like polyp extensions are often their identifying feature. The bubbles expand by day and retract at night to apparently increase photosynthesis via the zooxanthellae within. Thin feeding tentacles with potent nematocysts will often extend to feed at night. This genus is often found in shaded environments on reefs.
Husbandry: The Plerogyra can be grown under many light regimes but prosper if water flow is low or moderate. Their sweeper tentacles are damaging to nearly all other coral species. They may be damaged by introduction to very bright light (especially metal halides) when moved into a new aquarium. Colonies are generally less than 12 inches in diameter. This genus is susceptible to brown jelly infections caused by trauma to a polyp during movement. They are also vulnerable to flatworm infestations that can be removed with freshwater dips.
AKA: Octobubble Coral, Bladder Coral, Grape Coral, Pearl Coral