Why does its appearance change between day and night?

During the day it keeps its bubbles inflated, but at night it retracts them and extends sweeper tentacles instead. This is normal nocturnal behavior related to sensing its surroundings, not a sign of trouble.

Can it be placed right next to other corals?

Its nighttime sweeper tentacles can sting neighboring corals, so it needs to be placed with ample space from other corals. Avoid crowding it into a tight layout.

Is it suitable for beginners?

This coral is generally rated as suitable for intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners. It's best to have some experience managing water quality and flow before adding it to your tank.

The bubbles look deflated — is that a problem?

How inflated the bubbles are can be one indicator of the coral's condition. Brief deflation can be a normal reaction, but if it persists, it's worth reviewing your water flow and water quality.

Is it subject to CITES?

Pearl Bubble Coral is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Pearl Bubble Coral

The Pearl Bubble Coral is a striking member of the bubble coral family, covered in dense clusters of small, pearl-like vesicles. Compared to its close relative in the Plerogyra genus, its bubbles are smaller but far more numerous, giving colonies a distinctive, clustered texture. By day it shows off its plump, rounded bubbles, but after dark it retracts them and extends long, thin sweeper tentacles to probe its surroundings — a dramatic shift in appearance. Because those tentacles can sting nearby corals, it needs to be placed with plenty of space from its neighbors. Generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers, it rewards anyone who enjoys watching a coral change character between day and night.

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Pearl Bubble Coral key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Temperature: 24〜27℃
Diet: Photosynthesis via zooxanthellae plus zooplankton feeding
Lighting: Moderate to strong lighting. It can adjust to bright light, but acclimate it gradually.
Flow & Placement: Low to moderate flow. Strong direct current keeps the vesicles from opening.
Water Temperature & Quality: Keep 24-27 C with KH 7-12 and calcium 400-450 ppm, held stable.
Feeding: Drop food onto the tentacles when they extend at night; briefly cutting flow keeps it from blowing away.
Notes: Nocturnal sweeper tentacles sting neighbours. As a scleractinian it is CITES Appendix II.

TraitsLPSBubble coralNight feedingCITES II

About Pearl Bubble Coral

The Pearl Bubble Coral is an intermediate-level LPS coral covered in dense, pearl-like bubbles, smaller and more numerous than its Plerogyra relative. It extends stinging sweeper tentacles at night, so adequate spacing from other corals is essential.

7 things to know before welcoming a Pearl Bubble Coral

1Dense Clusters of Bubbles
The defining feature of the Pearl Bubble Coral is its dense cluster of pearl-like bubbles. Compared to its close relative in the Plerogyra genus, each bubble is smaller but far more numerous, giving the colony a distinctive, densely packed texture.
2A Different Look at Night
During the day the coral displays its rounded, inflated bubbles, but at night it retracts them and extends long, thin sweeper tentacles instead. Watching it probe its surroundings after dark is a distinctly different sight from its daytime look.
3Needs Space From Other Corals
The sweeper tentacles it extends at night can sting neighboring corals. When aquascaping, be sure to leave ample space between this coral and any other corals or live rock.
4Bubble Fullness Signals Condition
How well the bubbles inflate is one useful sign of the coral's condition. Full, plump bubbles generally indicate a healthy, settled colony, while bubbles that stay deflated for an extended period are a cue to review water flow or water quality.
5Prefers Gentle Flow and Light
Strong, direct water flow can keep the bubbles deflated, so a gentle current away from direct flow suits this coral better. It also tends to do well under moderate lighting rather than intense light.
6Handle With Care
Like other bubble corals, this species carries stinging cells, so it's best to avoid handling it with bare hands and to wear gloves during maintenance. Be mindful of skin irritation for the keeper, not just the risk to tankmates.
7Best Suited to Intermediate Keepers
This coral is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers, so it's best introduced once you're comfortable managing tank water quality and flow. Before adding it to your tank, allow time to slowly acclimate it to the new water's temperature and chemistry.

Frequently asked questions about Pearl Bubble Coral

Q.Why does its appearance change between day and night?: A.During the day it keeps its bubbles inflated, but at night it retracts them and extends sweeper tentacles instead. This is normal nocturnal behavior related to sensing its surroundings, not a sign of trouble.
Q.Can it be placed right next to other corals?: A.Its nighttime sweeper tentacles can sting neighboring corals, so it needs to be placed with ample space from other corals. Avoid crowding it into a tight layout.
Q.Is it suitable for beginners?: A.This coral is generally rated as suitable for intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners. It's best to have some experience managing water quality and flow before adding it to your tank.
Q.The bubbles look deflated — is that a problem?: A.How inflated the bubbles are can be one indicator of the coral's condition. Brief deflation can be a normal reaction, but if it persists, it's worth reviewing your water flow and water quality.
Q.Is it subject to CITES?: A.Pearl Bubble Coral is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.