Birds Nest Coral
Birds Nest Coral, also known by its scientific name of Seriatopora hystrix, is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral found in Tonga, Indonesia, the western Pacific region, the Central Pacific region, the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. This type of coral occurs in brown, tan, pink, green, purple and yellow colors, with pink usually being one of the most common and an aquarists' favorite to keep in the captive marine tank.
Birds Nest Coral Characteristics
The skeleton of the Seriatopora hystrix is extremely fragile and has delicate, irregularly branched stalks with needle shaped tips. The branches of the Birds Nest Coral can grow up to a length of one hundred and fifty millimeters. This type of coral requires a strong water current in the marine aquarium hosting it.
Habit and Habitats
Birds Nest Coral can be placed in a marine aquarium with a minimum capacity of 22 gallons or more. It can be placed anywhere between the middle and the top levels of an already established aquarium. This coral is considered aggressive, so great care should be taken in placing it near other aquatic material, as it does tend to sting if something touches it. It grows quite rapidly once it is established in the aquarium.
Birds Nest Coral, Maintenance in Captive Marine Tanks
This coral is a wonderful addition to a captive marine aquarium due to its beautiful color and interesting shape and texture. However, birds nest coral is typically difficult to maintain, and therefore is best suited for established reef aquariums and expert handling by experienced aquarists.
Feeding and Nutrition
Birds Nest Coral derives its nutrition from photosynthesis, which is performed by zooxantellae, a photosynthetic algae living symbiotically within the coral. This coral needs to be under sufficient light to accommodate for its feeding practices. It is also carnivorous in feeding habit and filter feeds a few times a week when open. It also feeds upon acellular marine invertebrates, meaty bits, zooplankton and phytoplankton.
Birds Nest Coral, Care and Illumination
Because it is considered difficult to maintain and keep in a captive marine tank environment, Birds Nest Coral is considered a more advanced type of coral and is not for beginners. When initially placed in the tank environment, moderate illumination is sufficient until it has adjusted to the reef tank environment, and then the light intensity can be increased to create an environment for maximum health and color vitality. Care must be taken to prevent this coral from stinging other members of the tank environment.
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