Why is my Cauliflower Coral turning white?

Whitening, known as bleaching, usually occurs due to stress from rapid temperature changes, intense lighting shock, or poor water quality. If the tissue is peeling off rapidly, it may be Rapid Tissue Necrosis (RTN), which requires immediate parameter correction and possibly fragging healthy sections.

What type of flow does Pocillopora need?

It requires moderate to strong, turbulent flow. Linear, direct flow blasting the coral can strip its tissue, whereas too little flow will allow detritus to settle in the branches, leading to tissue decay and algae growth.

Can I keep Pocillopora with soft corals?

Yes, it can be kept in a mixed reef with soft corals, but ensure there is adequate spacing. Some soft corals release chemical toxins (allelopathy) that can inhibit SPS growth, so running activated carbon is highly recommended.

How do I frag a Cauliflower Coral?

Fragging is relatively simple: use bone cutters to cleanly snap a healthy branch off the main colony. Use cyanoacrylate gel (coral glue) or reef epoxy to secure the fragment to a ceramic plug or piece of rubble.

Why are the polyps not extending on my coral?

Polyp retraction can be caused by several factors, including insufficient flow, poor water chemistry, nipping by fish (like dwarf angelfish), or pests such as coral-eating flatworms. Check your parameters and observe the tank at night to rule out pests.

A branching Pocillopora damicornis coral with green and pink colouration and a warty texture. — AI-generated illustration for OneShoal

MarineCoralsIntermediate

Cauliflower Coral

Pocillopora damicornis

Pocillopora damicornis, commonly known as the Cauliflower Coral, is a fast-growing, branching small polyp stony (SPS) coral that provides excellent structural complexity for marine aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 30 – 45 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 15 – 30 cm
Standard reef tank: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 50 years
Diet: Photosynthetic and filter feeder
Water flow: Moderate to Strong
Preferred setup: Matured reef aquarium with stable alkalinity and calcium

About the Cauliflower Coral

Known for its warty, clustered branches that closely resemble a cauliflower, this widespread SPS coral is a staple in the reefing hobby. It is uniquely adaptable and serves as a superb introductory species for aquarists looking to transition from soft corals to stony varieties. The fuzzy appearance, caused by the extension of its tiny polyps, adds delightful texture and movement to the aquascape.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Cauliflower Coral comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Eastern Pacific

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, Egypt

Habitat

Shallow reef environments, reef crests, and lagoons exposed to bright light and strong currents.

Similar species

Birdsnest Coral
Seriatopora hystrix
Stylophora Coral
Stylophora pistillata
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.

View all compatibility

Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Completely reef-safe and peaceful; occasionally they may even host in large Pocillopora colonies if anemones are absent.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
An excellent herbivore that will diligently graze on nuisance algae without harming the coral tissue.
Great
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
A beneficial scavenger that will not bother the coral's polyps.
Great
Yellow Clown Goby
Gobiodon okinawae
Often perches on SPS branches and may strip small sections of tissue to lay eggs, causing localized damage.
Compatible with caution
Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loricula
Dwarf angelfish can sometimes develop a taste for SPS polyps and may constantly nip at the coral, preventing polyp extension.
Compatible with caution
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon lunula
A known corallivore that will actively consume stony coral polyps, leading to rapid decline.
Not recommended
Longspine Urchin
Diadema antillarum
While an excellent algae eater, its size and spines can easily snap delicate SPS branches as it bulldozes through the rockwork.
Not recommended

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