Pink Tip Pohnape Bird’s Nest

Pink Tip Pohnape Bird’s Nest, Seriatopora hystrix, is a branching stony coral known for its thin, pointed branches, compact bushy growth form, and numerous closely spaced corallites. This colony displays a vivid yellow-green to lime base with contrasting reddish-brown polyps and pale pink to lavender-white growth tips. As the colony develops, its branches divide repeatedly to form the dense, intricate structure characteristic of Bird’s Nest corals. Seriatopora hystrix contains symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide most of its nutritional energy, while the small polyps can also capture fine plankton and suspended organic particles. The bright green coloration paired with delicate pink tips gives this Pohnape strain its distinctive appearance.

Care Guide: Seriatopora hystrix generally performs best under moderate to strong reef lighting with moderate to strong, turbulent water movement. Variable flow is especially important for dense Bird’s Nest colonies because it helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the branches while preventing detritus from accumulating within the colony. Place on stable rockwork with enough room for outward branching growth. Maintain stable temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium to support calcification. Nitrate and phosphate should remain measurable and stable rather than being driven excessively low. Most nutrition is supplied through photosynthesis, though fine planktonic foods and suspended particulate matter can provide supplemental nutrition. Bird’s Nest corals are sensitive to abrupt changes in alkalinity, temperature, salinity, or lighting, so stable mature reef conditions and gradual acclimation are recommended.