Northern Lights Bubble Coral

WYSIWYG — the coral pictured is the exact specimen you receive, not a stock photo. Quantity one.

Under actinic lighting, the coral has deep blue vesicles with vibrant, fluorescent green splotches and patterns.

At a glance

• Species: Plerogyra sinuosa
• Colony: 1
• Frag size: 4.5" across (estimated — not measured against the reference grid)
• Placement: Lower rock or sand, shaded
• Mounted on: ceramic frag plug

Care

Bubble corals inflate their vesicles during the day and retract them at night, extending sweeper tentacles that can sting neighbours — leave clearance. Keep flow low so the vesicles can inflate fully, and avoid handling the inflated tissue, which tears easily.

Acclimation

Float the sealed bag for 15 minutes to equalise temperature, then drip acclimate for 30–45 minutes before placing. Start the coral low in the tank and move it up over a week or two if it wants more light. A freshwater or iodine dip before it goes in is cheap insurance against hitchhikers.

Photographed under blue/actinic aquarium lighting, which is how most reef tanks are viewed. Colours will look different under white light.