About Birdsnest Coral
Delicate branching SPS in bright pinks and greens — the "birdsnest" name fits the bushy, dense branch structure. Demands stable parameters and strong, turbulent flow. Frags grow out fast in mature systems.
Seriatopora caliendrum is a species of colonial stony coral in the family Pocilloporidae. It forms a bushy clump and is commonly known as the green birdsnest coral. It is native to East Africa, the Red Sea and the western Indo-Pacific region, the type locality being the Red Sea. It grows in shallow water on reef slopes, particularly back-reef slopes, at depths down to about 25 metres (82 ft). The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the conservation status of this species as being "near threatened".
Notes from the editors
What it looks like. Delicate branching SPS coral forming dense, bushy clumps. Branches are thin and pointed, hence "birdsnest." Color morphs include pinks, greens, and the prized "pink and green" varieties.
In your tank. Fast-growing in stable conditions and one of the more forgiving branching SPS corals — a reasonable first Acropora-style coral. Sensitive to tip burn from alkalinity swings.
Placement and care. Moderate-to-high light, strong turbulent flow. Mount in the upper half of the tank. Avoid placing where snails or hermits can knock it loose — the thin branches are fragile.
Sourcing and feeding. Captive-propagated frags widely available ($25–60). Photosynthetic with supplemental feeding of fine foods accelerating growth.
Care info is a starting point, not a guarantee. Individual specimens, water chemistry, and tankmate dynamics vary. Verify against multiple sources and adjust to what you observe. See our terms & disclaimers.
Related corals
Sources & attribution
- Taxonomy and accepted name from the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS AphiaID 206969).
- Description content adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Photo: Aaron Gustafson · CC BY-SA 2.0 (via iNaturalist or Wikimedia Commons).