Description
Green Seriatopora hystrix (Bird's Nest Coral) is a fast-growing,, popular SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral featuring delicate, thin, intertwined branches and vivid neon-green coloration, particularly under blue lighting. It requires high light, strong flow, and stable parameters
24−27∘𝐶
1.025−1.026SG). It is considered a great beginner-to-intermediate SPS.
Key Characteristics & Care Details:
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Appearance: Features thin, delicate, branching, or needle-like structures that form a dense colony, often described as a bird's nest.
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Coloration: Typically, it displays a bright green to neon-green, sometimes with subtle yellow-green or white tips.
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Lighting: Requires moderate to high, or high lighting, particularly when using LED or T5, to maintain its bright green color.
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Flow: Requires moderate to strong, turbulent water flow to remove waste from its dense branches and provide nutrients.
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Placement: Best positioned in the middle to top, or on top rocks to receive direct light and flow.
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Water Parameters: Maintain stable, low-nutrient conditions:
- Calcium:400-450 ppm
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Alkalinity:8−9dKH.
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Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic, but benefits from occasional feeding with phytoplankton, zooplankton, or amino acids.
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Difficulty: Considered a beginner-friendly, fast-growing SPS.
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Fragility: The branches are very thin and delicate, making them prone to snapping if handled roughly or during cleaning.
The green S. hystrix is a popular choice for reef aquariums as it offers significant, fast, and dense, delicate growth that adds intense color.
