Birdsnest Coral

Names & Synonyms

• CommonBirdsnest Coral
• Commonバーズネストコーラル

Overview

Birdsnest corals (genera Seriatopora, Stylophora) are small-polyped stony corals whose intricate, spiny branching structures resemble the woven architecture of a bird's nest. Found on shallow Indo-Pacific reefs, they display attractive pinks, purples, creams, and greens. While they require stable SPS conditions—moderate to strong lighting (200–350 PAR), moderate to strong flow, and consistent calcium and alkalinity—they are generally hardier than Acropora, making them accessible introductory SPS corals. Their rapid growth and easy fragging are additional advantages, though the dense branching can trap detritus and require occasional pruning.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Medium to strong LED
• Flow—Medium to strong flow
• Water Quality—KH 7-11, Ca 400-450ppm
• Growth—Fast-growing for SPS
• Notes—Delicate branches break easily

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:

Appendix II

Notes:

イシサンゴ目(Seriatopora, Pocilloporidae)=バーズネスト。CITES 附属書II。

Sources

• AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow)(careSpec)
• AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
• DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
• Wikipedia(detail)

Related corals of the same type

Blue Coralアオサンゴ（ヘリオポラ）spsIntermediateThe only octocoral with a solid blue skeleton. Taxonomically unique and hardy, but CITES Appendix II — handle with care.Astreoporaアストレオポラ（スターコーラル）SPSBeginnerA massive SPS in the Acropora family. Named for star-shaped scattered corallites; a hardy entry-level SPS.AnacroporaアナクロポラSPSIntermediateA branching SPS related to Acropora but lacking axial corallites, forming slender delicate branches with pastel coloration.IsoporaイソポラSPSIntermediateA branching-to-encrusting SPS formerly placed in Acropora. Bearing multiple axial corallites, it is hardier and easier than Acropora.CoscinaraeaコスキナラエアSPSBeginnerA hardy coral related to Psammocora with a rough texture. Encrusting, with wide tolerance of light and flow.Hydnophora (Horn Coral)コモンサンゴspsIntermediateCoral with dense small bumps (hydnophores) on surface. Between LPS and SPS in care. Fast-growing with beautiful fluorescent green. Aggressive — careful placement needed.

Related care articles

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SPS Coral Infections and Disease Prevention | Distinguishing White Spot Disease, Planula Settlement Disease, and Mixed Infections

When SPS corals contract infections, multiple warning signals appear. The initial sign is fading color and loss of translucency, where healthy specimens lose their transparency and vibrant coloration. White Spot Disease produces numerous microscopic white lesions on the coral's surface, and as the condition progresses, it spreads across the entire body. This is a typical symptom of parasitic or bacterial infection. Another form of infection, Planula Settlement Disease, occurs immediately after larval settlement and causes newly settled small colonies to necrose rapidly.

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SPS Corals Other than Acropora | Cultivation Characteristics of Pocillopora, Seriatopora, and Stylophora

While SPS corals are often exemplified by Acropora (staghorn coral), there are many other species with different growth patterns such as branching and massive forms, including Pocillopora and Seriatopora. This article introduces the characteristics and cultivation considerations for each.

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Montipora Morphological Classification and Rearing Environment | Understanding the Differences from Acropora

As a representative SPS species, Montipora exhibits diverse growth forms that differ from Acropora, another SPS type. This article explains the characteristics of each form—digitate, plate, and encrusting—and how to optimize light, water flow, and nutrient environments for each.

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External Databases

• WoRMS
• GBIF