Green Pocillopora - Pocillopora sp. - Large

Cauliflower Coral (Pocillopora damicornis) often resembles the slightly more stout cousin of Acropora. It can also be confused with Bird's Nest Corals (Seriatopora sp.) or Cat's Paw Corals (Stylophora sp.). Cauliflower Coral grows in a similar branching style but with much their branches covered in tiny, fuzzy polyps. Most Pocillopora colonies are pink or purple but green, yellow and even violet-blue colonies are sometimes available.

These corals typically need high lighting and strong water flow as well as pristine water quality to thrive in the home aquarium. This corals, like Acropora, can also play host to some small shrimps and crab that live within the branches so examine each colony thoroughly. While the "hitchhikers" usually do not damage the colony, the coral can become irritated if the hitchhiker becomes too large or aggressive.