How can I tell it apart from Seriatopora hystrix?

The main difference is the branch tips. Seriatopora hystrix has sharp, needle-like tips, while this species has thicker, rounded branch tips.

Is this coral suitable for beginners?

It's generally considered an intermediate-level coral, so it's best kept by aquarists who already have some experience managing lighting, flow, and water quality. Starting with easier corals first can help build that foundation.

How large does it grow?

A mature colony can reach roughly 30cm in diameter. Growth rate varies with tank conditions, so it's worth leaving enough room for it to expand.

What colors does it come in?

Colonies can appear in pink, brown, or green. Since coloration varies between individuals, no two colonies look exactly the same.

Are there any legal restrictions on keeping it?

Seriatopora Caliendrum 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.

Seriatopora Caliendrum

Seriatopora caliendrum, known in Japanese as Futo-toge-sango, is a reef-building coral from the Seriatopora genus that grows into dense, hemisphere-shaped bushes of fine, tightly branching stems. Unlike its close relative Seriatopora hystrix, its branch tips are rounded rather than needle-sharp — a trait reflected in its Japanese name, which points to its thicker branches. Coloration varies between pink, brown, and green individuals, and as a colony matures its branching grows denser, creating a lush, voluminous centerpiece in a reef tank. Because it benefits from some hands-on experience to keep thriving, it tends to suit aquarists who have already built up coral-keeping confidence.

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Seriatopora Caliendrum key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Size: Colonies to about 30cm across
Temperature: 24〜27℃
Diet: Mainly nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae, supplemented with powdered coral foods and phytoplankton.
Lighting: Prefers strong light; LiveAquaria lists high lighting for birdsnest corals. Start at reduced intensity and raise it gradually.
Flow & Placement: Bleaching starts where water stagnates inside the thicket. Choose a spot where moderate to strong randomised flow reaches the interior, and place it high on the rockwork.
Water Temperature & Quality: Water 24-27C, specific gravity 1.023-1.025 (33-35 ppt), KH 8-12, calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1280-1350 ppm. Sudden swings in alkalinity are the most common cause of tissue recession.
Feeding: Most of its nutrition comes from photosynthesis by its zooxanthellae. Powdered coral foods and phytoplankton can be offered as a supplement, but stable light and water chemistry matter more than feeding.
Notes: The branches are slender and break easily, so avoid touching the colony when handling or changing water. The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable, and as a scleractinian it falls under the blanket CITES Appendix II listing.

TraitsSPSSeriatoporaStony coralCITES II

About Seriatopora Caliendrum

Seriatopora caliendrum is a reef-building coral with fine, densely branching stems that form hemisphere-shaped colonies with rounded branch tips, reaching a colony diameter of up to about 30cm — suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Seriatopora Caliendrum

1Strong Light & Flow Needed
As a reef-building coral, Seriatopora caliendrum needs plenty of light and steady water movement to grow well. Positioning it so light and flow reach every branch helps the whole colony develop evenly.
2Stable Water Parameters Matter
Like most corals, it depends on consistent water quality — temperature, calcium, and alkalinity in particular — to stay healthy. Sudden swings in these parameters are more likely to cause stress than gradual, well-managed conditions.
3Grows Into a Rounded Bush
Fine branches divide densely as the coral grows into a hemisphere-shaped colony. Since a mature colony can reach roughly 30cm across, it's worth planning for that eventual footprint when placing it in your layout.
4Rounded Branch Tips
Unlike its close relative Seriatopora hystrix, whose branch tips taper to sharp points, this species has noticeably rounder, thicker tips — the feature behind its Japanese name. It's a handy detail for telling the two apart.
5Colors Vary by Colony
Individual colonies can show up in pink, brown, or green tones. That natural variation means no two specimens look quite alike, which adds to the appeal of choosing one.
6Best Suited to Intermediate Keepers
This coral is generally considered suitable for intermediate-level keepers. Having some prior coral-keeping experience makes it easier to maintain stable conditions once it's in your tank.
7Settle Your Tank First
It's best to introduce this coral once your tank's water quality and rockwork have had time to settle into a stable state. Keep an eye on lighting and flow in the early period so it can acclimate smoothly.

Frequently asked questions about Seriatopora Caliendrum

Q.How can I tell it apart from Seriatopora hystrix?: A.The main difference is the branch tips. Seriatopora hystrix has sharp, needle-like tips, while this species has thicker, rounded branch tips.
Q.Is this coral suitable for beginners?: A.It's generally considered an intermediate-level coral, so it's best kept by aquarists who already have some experience managing lighting, flow, and water quality. Starting with easier corals first can help build that foundation.
Q.How large does it grow?: A.A mature colony can reach roughly 30cm in diameter. Growth rate varies with tank conditions, so it's worth leaving enough room for it to expand.
Q.What colors does it come in?: A.Colonies can appear in pink, brown, or green. Since coloration varies between individuals, no two colonies look exactly the same.
Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping it?: A.Seriatopora Caliendrum 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.