{"id":2230,"date":"2026-02-16T23:07:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:07:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/product\/birds-nest-hard-coral-seriatopora-sp\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T23:07:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:07:42","slug":"birds-nest-hard-coral-seriatopora-sp","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/?product=birds-nest-hard-coral-seriatopora-sp","title":{"rendered":"Birds Nest Hard Coral Seriatopora Sp"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bird\u2019s Nest Hard Coral (Seriatopora sp.)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Also known as Bird\u2019s Nest Coral or Needle Coral)<\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Bird\u2019s Nest Coral (Seriatopora<\/em> sp.) is a popular small-polyp stony (SPS) coral<\/strong> admired for its delicate, twig-like branches<\/strong> that intertwine to form dense, nest-shaped colonies. Polyps are fine and tightly spaced, creating a fuzzy appearance when extended. Colouration varies from pink, green, yellow, and purple<\/strong> to bright neon shades<\/strong>, depending on the species, lighting, and water conditions. Fast-growing and visually striking, Seriatopora<\/em> adds height, structure, and vibrant movement to SPS or mixed reef systems.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Native to the Indo-Pacific region<\/strong>, including the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and Indonesia. Typically found on upper reef slopes and lagoon areas<\/strong>, where it thrives under intense light and strong, turbulent currents.<\/p>\n

Feeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Bird\u2019s Nest Coral is photosynthetic<\/strong>, hosting zooxanthellae<\/strong> that supply the majority of its energy through photosynthesis. Supplemental feeding enhances growth and colour:<\/p>\n

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    Marine microplankton or phytoplankton<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Fine powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef-Roids)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Amino acid or trace element supplements<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Feed 1\u20132 times per week<\/strong> to support active growth, especially in ultra-clean systems.<\/p>\n

    Lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    High lighting required.<\/strong> This SPS coral thrives under bright, full-spectrum illumination from LED, T5, or metal halide<\/strong> lighting.<\/p>\n

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      PAR range: 250\u2013400 \u00b5mol\/m\u00b2\/s<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Gradually acclimate to higher light intensity to prevent bleaching.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Intense lighting enhances pastel and neon pigmentation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Water Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Strong, turbulent flow.<\/strong> Random and multidirectional currents are essential to keep the branches clean of detritus, deliver nutrients, and maintain oxygen exchange. Avoid direct, laminar jets that can damage fragile branches.<\/p>\n

      Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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        Position in the upper third of the tank<\/strong>, where light and flow are strongest.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Mount securely on stable rockwork or a coral plug \u2014 the branches are brittle and can break easily if disturbed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Allow space around the colony for expansion and to prevent shading neighbouring corals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Tank Mates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        Peaceful and reef safe.<\/strong> Compatible with:<\/p>\n

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          Reef-safe fish such as gobies, tangs, clownfish, and wrasses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Invertebrates (shrimp, hermits, snails, urchins)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Other SPS corals with adequate spacing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Avoid:<\/p>\n

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          • \n

            Corals with long, stinging sweeper tentacles (e.g., Galaxea, Euphyllia)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Large angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip at polyps<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Aggression<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            Peaceful.<\/strong> Seriatopora<\/em> does not have long sweeper tentacles but is sensitive to contact from aggressive corals. Leave several centimetres of spacing to avoid tissue loss from chemical or physical irritation.<\/p>\n

            Experience Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            Intermediate to advanced.<\/strong> While hardy once established, the Bird\u2019s Nest Coral requires stable water chemistry, strong light, and consistent flow<\/strong> to maintain health and vibrant colouration. Suitable for reef keepers comfortable managing SPS water parameters.<\/p>\n

            Water Parameters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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            • \n

              Temperature:<\/strong> 24\u201327\u00b0C (75\u201381\u00b0F)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              pH:<\/strong> 8.1\u20138.4<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Salinity:<\/strong> 1.025\u20131.026 SG<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Hardness (dKH):<\/strong> 8\u201312<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Calcium:<\/strong> 400\u2013450 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Magnesium:<\/strong> 1250\u20131350 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Phosphate:<\/strong> <0.03 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Nitrate:<\/strong> <10 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Tank Size:<\/strong> Minimum 75 gallons (280L)<\/strong> for stability and adequate flow zones<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Regular testing and dosing of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium are essential for skeletal growth and resilience.<\/p>\n

              Reef Compatibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              Fully reef safe.<\/strong> A showpiece coral that adds dimension and colour to SPS and mixed reefs. Its intricate, branching structure provides natural shelter for small reef fish and invertebrates, creating a realistic reef environment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Bird\u2019s Nest Hard Coral (Seriatopora sp.) (Also known as Bird\u2019s Nest Coral or Needle Coral) Overview The Bird\u2019s Nest Coral (Seriatopora sp.) is a popular small-polyp stony (SPS) coral admired for its delicate, twig-like branches that intertwine to form dense, nest-shaped colonies. Polyps are fine and tightly spaced, creating a fuzzy appearance when extended. Colouration […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2229,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[74],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2230","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-hard-corals","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"taxable","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple"},"group_of_quantity":0,"min_quantity":0,"max_quantity":"","exclude_order_quantity_value_rules":"no","exclude_category_quantity_rules":"no","combine_variations":"no","exclude_global_add_ons":[],"addons":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product\/2230","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2229"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2230"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_brand&post=2230"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_cat&post=2230"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_tag&post=2230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}