Hydnophora (Horn Coral)
Hydnophora sp.Fischer von Waldheim, 1807Genus
Coral with dense small bumps (hydnophores) on surface. Between LPS and SPS in care. Fast-growing with beautiful fluorescent green. Aggressive — careful placement needed.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonHydnophora (Horn Coral)
- Commonコモンサンゴ
- SynonymHydnophoraraea
- SynonymHydnophorella
- SynonymMonticularia
- SynonymMonticulina
- SynonymStaminocoenia
Overview
Hydnophora (family Merulinidae) is distributed across Indo-Pacific reef slopes and lagoons, distinguished by the dense conical projections (hydnophores) covering its skeleton. Growth forms vary from encrusting to massive to branching, with greens, fluorescent green, and browns; representative species include Hydnophora rigida and Hydnophora exesa. It tolerates moderate lighting and moderate flow and is relatively hardy. However, it is highly aggressive, extending long sweeper tentacles to vigorously attack surrounding corals, so ample distance from other corals is essential. It grows quickly and frags easily, propagating readily, but managing its aggression is important in the layout. Feeding once or twice weekly promotes growth. Vivid fluorescent-green specimens have high display value and are popular.
Care Specifications
| Type | SPS |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜11 dKH |
| Calcium (Ca) | 420〜450 mg/L |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1300〜1400 mg/L |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Water flow | Medium |
| Placement | Middle |
Care Points
- Lighting—Medium to high light. Fluorescence pops under blue LED
- Flow—Prefers medium to strong flow
- Growth—Fast grower. Regularly frag to control size
- Notes—Very long sweeper tentacles. Allow ample space around
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Hydnophora, Merulinidae)。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.
Psammocoraサンドペーパーコーラル（プサモコラ）SPSBeginnerA hardy small-polyp coral with a sandpaper-like texture. Encrusting to submassive; an approachable beginner SPS.Related care articles
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.
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.
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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