Green Bubble Hard Coral Plerogyra Sp

Description

Green Bubble Hard Coral (Plerogyra sp.)

(Also known as Green Bubble Coral, Pearl Coral, or Grape Coral)

Overview

The Green Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sp.) is a captivating large-polyp stony (LPS) coral recognised for its large, inflated bubble-like vesicles that shimmer with a distinctive green or metallic hue under aquarium lighting. Each bubble expands during the day to absorb light and contracts at night to reveal long, feeding tentacles. This coral’s unique texture, colour, and motion make it a standout centrepiece in any reef aquarium. While hardy and forgiving, Plerogyra requires low flow, moderate light, and ample space due to its delicate tissue and long sweeper tentacles.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Coral Sea, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in sheltered reef slopes and lagoon environments, often attached to rubble or within crevices where flow and light are moderate.

Feeding

The Green Bubble Coral is photosynthetic, containing zooxanthellae that supply most of its nutritional needs. Supplemental feeding encourages growth, tissue expansion, and vibrant colour. Offer 1–2 feedings per week of:

• Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood

• Marine snow or coral plankton blends

• LPS-specific coral foods

Feed when tentacles are visible (usually after lights dim). Gently target feed near extended polyps for best results.

Lighting

Low to moderate lighting. Plerogyra prefers subdued, indirect illumination to prevent bleaching or overexposure.

• PAR range: 75‚Äì150 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s

• Avoid direct, intense light; shaded or lower-tank areas are ideal.

• Blue and actinic lighting enhances its fluorescent green glow.

Water Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, consistent movement helps remove debris without damaging the inflated vesicles. Strong flow can tear the coral’s delicate tissue or cause it to retract for prolonged periods.

Placement

• Place on sandy substrate or in low-flow, shaded areas of the lower rockwork.

• Ensure plenty of space (15‚Äì20 cm / 6‚Äì8 inches) around the coral ‚Äî it extends long, stinging sweeper tentacles at night.

• Avoid sharp rock edges that could puncture its soft bubbles.

Tank Mates

Reef safe with caution. Compatible with:

• Peaceful reef fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)

• Reef-safe invertebrates such as snails, hermits, and shrimp

• Other LPS and soft corals placed at a safe distance

Avoid:

• Aggressive or stinging corals (e.g., Euphyllia, Galaxea, Hydnophora)

• Butterflyfish, large angelfish, or puffers that may nip at its tissue

Aggression

Moderately aggressive. At night, Plerogyra extends long, powerful sweeper tentacles capable of stinging and damaging nearby corals. Provide ample spacing to prevent chemical or physical conflict.

Experience Level

Beginner to intermediate. Hardy and adaptable when placed correctly, the Green Bubble Coral is suitable for aquarists with basic LPS experience. It thrives in stable reef environments with consistent lighting, gentle flow, and good water quality.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24‚Äì27¬∞C (75‚Äì81¬∞F)

• pH: 8.1‚Äì8.4

• Salinity: 1.024‚Äì1.026 SG

• Hardness (dKH): 8‚Äì12

• Calcium: 400‚Äì450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250‚Äì1350 ppm

• Nitrate: <10 ppm

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) for stability and adequate spacing

Maintain stable alkalinity and calcium to support skeletal health and bubble tissue regeneration.

Reef Compatibility

Reef safe with caution. The Green Bubble Coral is a beautiful, peaceful showpiece that adds volume, texture, and colour to LPS or mixed reefs. With careful placement and moderate lighting, it can thrive for years, inflating fully each day to display its radiant green shimmer.