Common name: Cauliflower coral

General information

Pocillopora damicornis, commonly known as Cauliflower Coral or Rice Coral, is a branching stony coral that is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific. It is a species of the genus Pocillopora and is known for its hardiness and ability to adapt to various conditions, making it a popular choice among reef aquarium hobbyists. The coral exhibits a range of colors, typically from pink to brown, and has a distinct cauliflower-like appearance due to its small, tightly packed branches.

Care

Cauliflower Coral is considered a good choice for beginner to intermediate reef keepers due to its resilience. It thrives in moderate to high lighting conditions and requires moderate water flow to prevent sediment accumulation and to facilitate feeding. Regular feeding with microplankton or other coral foods can promote growth and coloration. It is important to maintain stable water parameters, particularly calcium and alkalinity levels, to support its skeletal growth.

Symbiosis

Pocillopora damicornis is known for its symbiotic relationship with various marine organisms. It often hosts small crustaceans, such as the Pocillopora Crab (@species:trapezia-pocilloporae), which live within its branches and provide the coral with cleaning services and protection from predators. Additionally, this coral can be a habitat for the Christmas Tree Worm (@species:spirobranchus-giganteus), which adds to the biodiversity and visual appeal of the reef aquarium.

Habitat

This species is found in a wide range of reef environments, from shallow lagoons to deeper fore-reef slopes. It is capable of withstanding various levels of water movement and can be found at depths from just below the surface to over 40 meters deep. Geographically, Pocillopora damicornis is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean.