Pink Pocillopora

Pink Pocillopora, Pocillopora sp., is a branching stony coral known for its compact growth form, textured branch surfaces, and numerous small polyps. This WYSIWYG specimen displays a cream to pale yellow-green base with pink to mauve branch tips and abundant reddish-brown polyps with lighter tips, producing a soft multicolor appearance across the colony. Pocillopora colonies develop short, thick branches and a dense structure as they mature. They contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide most of their energy, while the small polyps can also capture suspended plankton and fine particulate food. Because species-level identification within Pocillopora can be difficult from appearance alone, Pocillopora sp. is the most scientifically appropriate designation.

Care Guide: Pocillopora sp. generally performs best under moderate to strong reef lighting and moderate to strong, turbulent water movement. Good flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the colony while preventing detritus from settling between the branches. Place on stable rockwork where the coral will receive consistent light and circulation. Maintain stable temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium to support skeletal growth. Nitrate and phosphate should remain measurable and stable rather than being driven excessively low. Most nutrition comes from photosynthesis, though fine planktonic foods and suspended particulate matter may provide supplemental nutrition. This coral benefits from mature, stable reef conditions and is less tolerant of rapid swings in water chemistry than many soft corals.