Bubble Corals
One of the favorite reef additions for aquarium enthusiasts is the bubble corals. Also called Grape Coral, Small Bubble Coral, and Octobubble Coral, their unique appearance and can be quite impressive under ideal tank conditions. Bubble corals are characterized by having large water filled bubbles (or vesicles) covering large sharp sepia. The vesicles expand during the day and look like cream colored grapes.
Characteristics Of The Bubble Corals
Bubble corals are composed of fleshy tissue residing in a protective hard skeleton, made from calcium deposits that the tissues, or polyps, secrete. This type of coral gets its name from its bulbous tentacles that are used to absorb light needed for photosynthesis. Vesicles are the size of grapes and usually the size of grapes, but may be tubular, bifurcated or irregular, depending on the state of inflation.
Lighting Requirements Of Bubble Corals
Aquarium enthusiasts love Bubble Corals because of their unique look in the tank. These corals will need light according to the lighting in their origin. Bubble Corals found in some areas are often found in shaded ledges or in turbid waters, and require less lighting. Many specimens from the Red Sea are found in shallow, well-lit waters. These may be placed in brighter lighting after initial acclimation.
Aquarium Placement Of Bubble Corals
At night, Bubble Corals do extend their stinging tentacles, called sweeper tentacles, to keep other corals from growing too close. This behavior is similar to many types of herd corals. If damaged or dying tissue is noticed on bubble coral, you may need to move them further apart to protect the other corals in the tank.
Feeding And Care Of Bubble Corals
Bubble corals are photosynthetic, but seem to benefit more than many LPS corals from occasional direct feeding of shrimp or other meaty foods. Feeding up to once a week will result in faster growth. They prefer low to moderate water current for optimum health. Calcium levels in the water are important for skeletal development.
Bubble Corals Overview
Bubble Corals are an aquarium enthusiast favorite for their unique shape and moderate hardiness, as well as relative ease in care in a captive tank. The bubble corals are native to the Indo Pacific region, including waters surrounding Australia, the Indian Ocean and to the Red Sea. It is quite a popular with marine aquarium enthusiasts because of its interesting look and intriguing textures.
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