Pocillopora inflata — Practical Care Profile (SPS)
Condensed guide with two photographs (macro + micro) for identifying and keeping Pocillopora inflata. Emphasis on stability, medium–high PAR, moderate–strong flow, and STN/RTN prevention.
Introduction
A member of Pocilloporidae with prominent verrucae and swollen branches (“inflata”). Requires stable parameters, intense light, and cross-flow to prevent deposits at the base.
Experience — “Small, cumulative improvements in stability > abrupt adjustments. Avoid repeated KH and temperature swings.”
Identification and Taxonomy
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pocillopora inflata (Glynn, 1999) |
| Family | Pocilloporidae |
| Type | SPS (Small Polyp Scleractinia) |
| Placement | Middle–upper area; intense light and moderate–strong flow. |
Biotope and Setup
Well-lit slopes and crests; avoid persistent shading and detritus accumulation at bases and in gaps between verrucae.
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Practical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–27 °C | Daily fluctuation <0.5 °C. |
| Salinity | 34–35 ppt (sg ~1.025–1.026) | Keep the setpoint stable. |
| Alkalinity (KH) | 8–10 dKH | Stability > exact value. |
| Calcium (Ca) | 410–450 ppm | Continuous calcification. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1250–1350 ppm | Ionic stability. |
| Nitrate (NO3) | 0.5–2 ppm | Low but measurable. |
| Phosphate (PO4) | 0.02–0.08 ppm | Avoid prolonged “0” under intense light. |
| pH | 7.9–8.3 | Minimal daily fluctuation. |
Worked / Did Not Work — maintaining stability
Worked
- Automated dosing (KH/Ca/Mg) + small water changes.
- Regular testing and small corrections.
Did Not Work
- Abrupt adjustments on the same day.
- Neglecting temperature or top-off.
Lighting (PAR and Spectrum)
| Factor | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PAR | 150–300 μmol·m−2·s−1 | Acclimation if you exceed 300–350. |
| Spectrum | Blue emphasis (~430–460 nm) | Photosynthesis + chromoproteins. |
| Photoperiod | 10–12 h | Gentle ramps (sunrise/sunset). |
Flow (Hydrodynamics)
Moderate–strong, random/turbulent ≫ laminar. Micro-eddies improve exchange and prevent hypoxia/detritus between verrucae.
Feeding (Heterotrophic Support)
Mixotrophic: 70–85% of carbon comes from photosynthesis; under stress, nanoplankton (0.5–5 μm), amino acids, and coral foods 1–2×/week can help. Avoid overfeeding.
Worked / Did Not Work — support without nutrient spikes
Worked
- Small nighttime feedings with active nutrient export.
- Fine, well-distributed particles.
Did Not Work
- Uncontrolled daily “powder” feeding → high PO4/NO3.
Fragmentation and Propagation
Responds well to fragmentation/microfragmentation. Maintain active flow after cutting and clean surfaces for healing.
Health (STN/RTN and the Microbiome)
| Condition | Signs | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| STN (slow tissue necrosis) | Progressive tissue loss | Check KH/temperature, improve flow, trim away dead tissue. |
| RTN (rapid tissue necrosis) | Acute tissue sloughing | Immediate fragging; isolation; complete stability. |
| Bleaching / bacterial disease | Discoloration, mucus | Stability, nutrient and temperature control; quarantine. |
Scientific Evidence (2018–2025)
Water and Stability
- 24–27 °C; 34–35 ppt; KH 8–10; Ca 410–450; Mg 1250–1350; NO₃ 0.5–2; PO₄ 0.02–0.08; pH 7.9–8.3. Practical summary based on recent studies of physiology and the microbiome in Pocilloporidae: Frontiers in Marine Science (2023), Ecology & Evolution (2023).
Lighting
- PAR 150–300; blue 430–460 nm; photoperiod 10–12 h. See the experimental/observational synthesis in Wiley Ecol Evol 2023.
Flow
- Moderate–strong and random > laminar: better exchange and polyp extension; avoid direct jets. Review/studies in Frontiers 2023.
Microbiome and Health
- A stable microbiome reduces STN/RTN; probiotics are being evaluated in aquaculture. References and context in Frontiers 2023 and the academic repository UH ScholarSpace.
Fragmentation and Mariculture
- Microfragmentation and nurseries: high survival and rapid fusion when parameters are stable; applicable to P. inflata through similarity to congeners. See Frontiers 2023.
Recommended Reading
More information at Pasionreef and AtlasReef.
Getting started with Acropora corals? Explore our SPS Corals section.
If you are fine-tuning parameters, our article on Marine Aquarium Bioindicators may help.
Conclusion
With two photos and a clear structure, P. inflata is well documented: prioritize stability, intense light with proper acclimation, and cross-flow.
Images: AtlasReef Media Library (original/AI-generated, royalty-free). · Guide written by AtlasReef.