Pocillopora

Pocillopora, or Cauliflower coral, is one of the hardiest SPS genera and a fantastic choice for reefers stepping up from softies and LPS. It tolerates a wider range of conditions than most SPS, adapting well to moderate-to-high light and flow. Keep calcium at 400–440 ppm, alkalinity at 7.5–9 dKH, and temperature between 25–27°C. Pocillopora are notably resilient to brief temperature spikes, which makes them a practical choice for Australian hobbyists dealing with summer heat events before their chiller kicks in.

Place Pocillopora in the mid to upper tank where it receives good light and strong, turbulent flow. The dense branching structure naturally traps debris, so adequate water movement is important to keep the colony healthy. Pocillopora are among the fastest-growing SPS — expect to frag regularly once established. They come in pinks, greens, and purples, with colour deepening under higher PAR. Some species host tiny crabs (Trapezia) that are beneficial and help keep the coral clean.

Fragging is straightforward — break or cut branches and mount on plugs. Pocillopora frags heal and encrust rapidly, often within a week or two. These corals are prolific spawners on the Great Barrier Reef and can even release planula larvae in captivity. They are generally resistant to common SPS pests but should still be dipped on arrival. Pocillopora make excellent starter SPS for Aussie reefers building confidence before tackling Acropora.