Can beginners keep cauliflower coral?

This coral is generally rated as suitable for intermediate keepers, so some prior experience with SPS corals is reassuring. That said, it's considered one of the hardier SPS options and is often described as easier to approach than Acropora.

How is it different from Acropora?

Both are SPS corals, but cauliflower coral is generally considered more tolerant of changes in water conditions than Acropora, which is why it's often chosen as an entry point into SPS keeping. Its relatively fast growth is another notable trait.

How large does it grow?

Adult colonies typically reach around 10 to 40 cm. Since growth is relatively fast, it's a good idea to leave extra space around it when placing it in the tank.

How long does it live?

In captivity, its lifespan is generally cited as 10 years or more. Maintaining stable water quality along with consistent lighting and flow allows it to keep growing over the long term.

Is cauliflower coral subject to CITES?

Pocillopora (Cauliflower 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.

Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral)

Cauliflower coral (Pocillopora) is an SPS coral known for its densely branching, cauliflower-like growth form. Colonies commonly show vivid pink or green tones that stand out in a reef tank. Compared with Acropora, it tends to be more forgiving of fluctuations in water quality and lighting, which is why many hobbyists choose it as their first SPS coral. Its relatively fast growth lets keepers watch the branching structure fill in and mature over a fairly short time. This is considered a coral for intermediate-level keepers, with a lifespan of 10 years or more and adult colonies reaching roughly 10 to 40 cm. It's a solid choice for anyone wanting a hardy, visually striking SPS coral.

View Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral) encyclopedia →

Find Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral) breeders(0)

Limited Time Offer

0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!

Breeder Wanted!

List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!

Free registrationNo monthly feesCommission on sales only

Br-Choku's 6 Transparency Standards

Our Breeder sellers disclose detailed care specs for all Coral listings. We prioritize Aquacultured/CB specimens, verify WYSIWYG photos, and provide difficulty ratings—avoiding wild-caught.

Aquacultured
WYSIWYG Photo
Difficulty Disclosed
Frag/Colony
Care Info Included
Trade name shown

All types Coral Frags SPS (Acropora etc.)Hydnophora (Horn Coral)Cyphastrea Stylophora Seriatopora (Bird's Nest Coral)Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral)Pavona Porites Merulina Montipora Cap Montipora Setosa

Browse all 210 breeds

Filter

Price

Region

Has show resultsChampion titles

Attributes

FragWYSIWYG (Actual photo)Aquacultured

0 items

Sort by

No listings match your filters

Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.

Find breeders Browse the Coral encyclopedia Clear filters

Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.

Browse other categories

Dogs Cats Marine Fish Tropical Fish Goldfish Medaka Reptiles & Amphibians Small Pets Birds Insects Exotic Invertebrates

Verified breeders (preview)

森信幸 Breeder

宮城県

朝比奈理一 Breeder

宮城県

Are you raising coral?

Apply as a breeder

Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral) key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Lifespan: 10+ years
Size: 10-40cm
Temperature: 24〜27℃
Diet: Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae)
Flow & Placement: Provide moderate to strong turbulent flow. Place it where current arrives from several directions so water does not stagnate between the short branches.
Water Temperature & Quality: Keep the water stable at 24-27C. Minimizing swings in calcium and alkalinity is the most important part of caring for this SPS.
Health & Cautions: On introduction, check for pests such as Coeloplana and dip the coral. It grows fast and is easy to frag.
Lighting: Medium to high light. 200+ PAR recommended
Water Quality: Ca 420-450ppm, KH 7-9. Stability is key
Notes: May host symbiotic crabs and shrimp

TraitsSPSEntry-levelFast-growingCauliflower

About Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral)

Cauliflower coral (Pocillopora) is a fast-growing, densely branching SPS coral prized for its pink or green coloration. Hardier than Acropora, it's a popular choice for hobbyists starting out with SPS keeping.

7 things to know before welcoming a Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral)

1Needs Strong Light & Flow
Like most SPS corals, cauliflower coral does best under relatively strong lighting and water flow. In weaker conditions, growth and coloration can become dull, so it's worth checking your tank's setup before adding one.
2Fast Growth Needs Space
Cauliflower coral grows relatively quickly, with its branches filling out and spreading within a short period. When placing it, leave enough room between neighboring corals to account for its future size.
3Watch for Contact with Neighbors
As the branches extend, contact with neighboring corals can cause damage to both sides. Check the growth regularly and trim branches as needed to maintain adequate spacing.
4Hardier Than Acropora
Among SPS corals, cauliflower coral is generally considered more tolerant of shifts in water conditions than Acropora. That said, stable water quality is still a basic requirement for any SPS coral, so consistent maintenance remains important.
5Pink or Green Coloration
Coloration varies between colonies, commonly ranging from pink to green, and can shift in appearance depending on lighting strength and nutrient levels. Keep in mind that the color at the time of purchase isn't guaranteed to stay exactly the same.
6Needs Calcium & Trace Elements
As a skeleton-building SPS coral, it relies on a steady supply of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. Regular testing and maintaining these parameters within a stable range are essential parts of care.
7Acclimate Carefully After Arrival
Right after introduction to a tank, corals are more sensitive to environmental stress, so a slow drip acclimation can help reduce that burden. Afterward, observe polyp extension and coloration over the following days and adjust placement as needed.

Frequently asked questions about Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral)

Q.Can beginners keep cauliflower coral?: A.This coral is generally rated as suitable for intermediate keepers, so some prior experience with SPS corals is reassuring. That said, it's considered one of the hardier SPS options and is often described as easier to approach than Acropora.
Q.How is it different from Acropora?: A.Both are SPS corals, but cauliflower coral is generally considered more tolerant of changes in water conditions than Acropora, which is why it's often chosen as an entry point into SPS keeping. Its relatively fast growth is another notable trait.
Q.How large does it grow?: A.Adult colonies typically reach around 10 to 40 cm. Since growth is relatively fast, it's a good idea to leave extra space around it when placing it in the tank.
Q.How long does it live?: A.In captivity, its lifespan is generally cited as 10 years or more. Maintaining stable water quality along with consistent lighting and flow allows it to keep growing over the long term.
Q.Is cauliflower coral subject to CITES?: A.Pocillopora (Cauliflower 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.

Useful tools for Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral) care

💧Aquarium Volume CalculatorCalculate water volume, weight, and heater wattage from tank dimensions 🧪Water Quality CheckerFind compatible fish, shrimp, plants & corals based on pH, temperature & hardness 💡Lighting CalculatorCalculate optimal LED lighting based on tank size and plants/corals 🔄Nitrogen Cycle GuideAuto-calculate bacteria colonization timeline for new tank cycling 🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glance 🚿Water Change CalculatorAuto-calculate optimal water change frequency and volume by tank size and fish count 🐠Stocking CalculatorCalculate max fish capacity for your tank size with overstocking alerts ⚡Electricity Cost SimulatorCalculate monthly and annual electricity costs for care equipment with presets 🏞️Tank Layout PlannerGet substrate, plant & hardscape suggestions based on tank size and style 🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity ⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature 🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance ⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral) in the encyclopedia

View Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral) encyclopedia entry →

Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral) related articles

Pocillopora and Stylophora Beginner's Guide | Mastering Water Quality, Lighting, and Water Flow for Your First Branching SPS Corals

Pocillopora and Stylophora are beginner-friendly branching SPS corals that are said to be easier to manage than Acropora. This comprehensive guide covers everything beginners need to know about keeping these corals—from essential water quality parameters and lighting PAR values to water flow design, fragging tips, and common pitfalls.

See more Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral) articles →