Genus
Common name: Cauliflower Coral
Scientific name: Cladocora
Cladocora is a genus of stony corals known commonly as Cauliflower Coral. These corals are found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. They are characterized by their branching, dome-shaped colonies that resemble a cauliflower, hence the name. Cladocora corals are zooxanthellate, hosting symbiotic algae within their tissues that provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis. They are relatively hardy in captivity but require stable water conditions and moderate to high lighting to thrive. They can be sensitive to rapid changes in water parameters, so gradual acclimation is crucial.