Birdnest
Classification: SPS
Description:
Birdnest coral is easily recognized by the slender pink branches which are
often sharp at the ends. The branches grow outwards in all
directions.
Veron: Colonies may form extensive stands. Branches are thin and tapered to a point, hence they have a needle-like appearance. These may be either widely spaced or compact, up to 150 millimeters long, and usually fuse in an irregular manner. Colonies with short thick branches are normally found in habitats exposed to wave action. Corallites are arranged in neat rows along branches. Polyps are not extended during the day. Color is pink, less commonly cream, blue or green.
Natural Environment:
Veron: Shallow reef environments especially intertidal reef flats.
Care:
Lighting: Requires strong lighting to thrive. Recommend Metal halide
or strong VHO/PC lighting. Coloration will tend to darken or brown-out
under lower light conditions.
Water Current: Does well with medium to high water current levels.
Temperature: Does well within a range of at least 75º to 84º F
Aggressiveness: Low. All corals can sting adjacent corals, but Birdnest does not have elongated stinging fingers, so they can live in close proximity to other non-aggressive corals.
Feeding: Birdnest is photosynthetic and requires no direct feeding. That is why it is important to provide the proper lighting. It will presumably take small zooplankton type foods if provided.
Supplements: Correct Calcium (400 – 500) and Alkalinity (2.8 – 4.5) levels are important for health and growth.
Tank Positioning: Best if kept in the middle to upper portion of the tank where it can get maximum light and moderate to strong water flow. If your tank has very high intensity lighting, it is best to place any new coral on the bottom of the tank for a week or two to acclimatize it to your tank lighting conditions before moving it to it’s final location.
Growth Info: Go to Growth Sheet
Note: Specimen identification and natural habitat Veron (2000)
