Pocillopora is a small SPS genus dominated in the hobby by P. damicornis (cauliflower coral) and P. verrucosa. Both species are hardier than most acropora and are excellent intermediate SPS choices.
Pocillopora propagates easily by simple breakage and tolerates the parameter swings that kill acropora. The trade-off: less dramatic visual structure and less premium positioning in the hobby pricing hierarchy. A solid SPS genus for tanks transitioning from LPS-dominant to mixed reef.
Pocillopora is a genus of aquarium species commonly kept in home aquariums. The genus includes multiple species, each with overlapping care requirements but distinct color, growth pattern, or behavior. Aquarists choose Pocillopora for its combination of visual appeal, wide availability, and well-documented husbandry - unlike fringe species that require specialist care, Pocillopora sits in the sweet spot of mainstream aquarium keeping.
Wild populations of Pocillopora originate from tropical aquarium environment. The species in this genus have been kept in aquariums for decades, and most are now available as captive-bred or aquacultured specimens. Captive-bred Pocillopora ship healthier than wild-caught and acclimate to closed-system parameters within 7-14 days, vs. the 30-60 day acclimation typical of wild imports.
Pocillopora is rated intermediate care difficulty across the genus, though specific species can vary. The dominant care requirements are:
For reef tanks (where most Pocillopora belong if it is coral or marine), maintain stable parameters: alkalinity 8-9 dKH, calcium 420-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm, nitrate 5-10 ppm, phosphate 0.03-0.05 ppm. Daily alkalinity swing should not exceed 0.5 dKH/24h. For freshwater Pocillopora, target stable temperature (within 2°F daily swing), pH appropriate to native habitat, and weekly 25-30% water changes.
Visual inspection at point of purchase prevents 70%+ of post-purchase losses. For Pocillopora, evaluate:
Reputable Fast Aquatics vendors disclose collection origin on every Pocillopora listing. Browse current availability with carrier-tracked Buyer Protection on every order, and a 4-hour DOA guarantee starting at carrier-reported delivery.
The first 60-90 minutes after delivery determine whether Pocillopora thrives or limps for weeks. Drip acclimation is the safest universal protocol:
Most Pocillopora species are compatible with peaceful community tankmates that share their water-chemistry needs and adult-size range. The general compatibility rules:
For specific tankmate compatibility, browse the linked Pocillopora species pages below - each individual species page has a tankmate-compatibility table cross-checked against the Fast Aquatics husbandry database.
Most Pocillopora diseases come from skipped quarantine, parameter swings, or stress. The most common conditions to watch for:
Quarantine all new Pocillopora for 21-30 days minimum (saltwater) or 14-21 days (freshwater) in a separate tank with prophylactic treatment. The single highest-impact husbandry practice for any aquarist.
Pocillopora is a genus of aquarium species commonly kept in home aquariums. Includes multiple species.
Pocillopora requires intermediate care difficulty: standard light, moderate flow, varied diet. Stable parameters are critical - daily alkalinity swings under 0.5 dKH (reef) or stable temperature within 2°F (freshwater).
Popular species: multiple species. Each has slight care variations - check individual species pages for specifics.
Pocillopora pricing varies by tier: budget specimens $5-50, mid-tier $25-200, premium grade $100-2,000+. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens command a premium but ship healthier.
Fast Aquatics connects to vetted vendors of Pocillopora across all 50 US states with overnight FedEx shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and 4-hour DOA guarantee.
Pocillopora reef-safety varies by species. Most are considered reef-safe with caution; verify on individual species pages.
Common morphs: multiple natural color morphs.