Why is my Bird's Nest Coral losing its pink colour and turning brown?

Browning in SPS corals is usually caused by excessive nutrients (high nitrates and phosphates) which cause the zooxanthellae algae within the coral to overpopulate, masking the coral's natural pigments. Insufficient lighting can also cause it to turn brown.

Why are the tips of the branches completely white?

If the polyps are extended and the rest of the coral is colourful, bright white tips are perfectly normal. This indicates active, rapid skeletal growth where the zooxanthellae have not yet colonized the new tissue. If the white spreads downward rapidly, it may be Rapid Tissue Necrosis (RTN).

How much flow does this coral need?

It requires moderate to high, chaotic flow. Because it grows in a dense, interlocking bush, strong indirect water movement is necessary to penetrate the centre of the colony. Without enough flow, detritus will settle in the middle, causing the central branches to die off.

Can I place it right next to other corals?

No. While the Bird's Nest Coral will not sting other corals, it is very easily stung. Maintain several inches of clearance from other corals, keeping in mind that this species grows quickly and may naturally close the gap over time.

Is it normal for the base of the coral to turn white?

It is quite common for the inner, lower base to lose tissue and turn white as the colony grows large. This happens because the dense upper branches eventually shade the base from light and block water flow. Ensure your tank has strong multidirectional flow to minimise this.

A vivid pink Seriatopora hystrix coral with densely packed, needle-like branches displaying white growth tips, situated on a reef. — AI-generated illustration for OneShoal

MarineCoralsIntermediate

Bird's Nest Coral

Seriatopora hystrix

A popular, fast-growing small polyp stony (SPS) coral known for its intricate, needle-like branches and vibrant colourations.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 15 – 40 cm
Standard Reef Tank: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 50 years
Diet: Photosynthetic / Micro-plankton
Water flow: Moderate to High
Preferred setup: Stable reef environment with mature rockwork

About the Bird's Nest Coral

The Bird's Nest Coral is a staple in the reef-keeping hobby, celebrated for its delicate, interlacing branches that genuinely resemble an avian nest. Belonging to the small polyp stony (SPS) category, it grows in dense, bushy colonies. Its branches taper to very sharp, distinct points. Available in striking shades of pink, magenta, green, and yellow, it is widely considered an excellent entry point for aquarists moving into SPS keeping.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Bird's Nest Coral comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, Egypt, French Polynesia

Habitat

Shallow reef slopes, lagoons, and reef flats with strong tidal currents.

Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, typically found in shallow, brightly lit waters.

Similar species

Stylophora Coral
Stylophora pistillata
Pocillopora Coral
Pocillopora damicornis
Montipora Digitata
Montipora digitata

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Completely reef-safe and will not bother the delicate branches of SPS corals.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Excellent algae grazer that keeps the surrounding rockwork clean without harming the coral.
Great
Clown Gobies
Gobiodon spp.
They naturally perch in branching SPS corals and may clear away tissue to lay their eggs, causing localised damage.
Compatible with caution
Large Hermit Crabs
Dardanus spp.
Clumsy and heavy enough to accidentally snap the fragile, needle-like branches of this coral.
Compatible with caution
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge bispinosa
Dwarf angelfish are notoriously unpredictable and may aggressively nip at the polyps, causing the coral to withdraw and eventually die.
Not recommended

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