Plerogyra

Plerogyra, the bubble coral, is one of the most distinctive LPS genera — their large, grape-like vesicles inflate during the day for photosynthesis, creating a unique bubble-covered appearance. Place them in a sheltered position in the lower to mid tank under moderate PAR (75–150 PAR) with very gentle flow. Strong current will prevent the bubbles from inflating and can physically damage the delicate vesicles over time.

Maintain stable parameters: alkalinity 7.5–9.0 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, and temperature 25–26 °C. Plerogyra benefit from weekly target feeding with meaty foods like mysis or brine shrimp. At night, the bubbles retract to reveal the coral’s skeleton and long sweeper tentacles, which can extend 10–15 cm and pack a serious sting. Plan your feeding sessions around this night-time behaviour when the tentacles are active and ready to capture food.

Give Plerogyra generous clearance from all neighbouring corals due to their sweeper tentacles. They prefer a sheltered cave-like or overhang position that mimics their natural habitat on shaded reef walls. Fragging is possible but tricky — the bubbles must be allowed to deflate before cutting, and care must be taken not to puncture the vesicles. Australian hobbyists can find Plerogyra through specialist LPS retailers, and they make fascinating feature corals in tanks with appropriate low-flow zones.