Net Coral
Alveopora japonica
A tiny, deep green coral with knob-tipped tentacles from surge-swept rocky shores.
About
Net Coral (Alveopora japonica) is a compact, uncommon coral that stays small by reef standards, rarely exceeding about 40 millimeters across. Colonies grow in hemispherical or encrusting forms, and what really sets this species apart visually is its coloration: a rich, dark green body punctuated by tentacle tips that display a neat white stripe, giving extended polyps a distinctly knobbed, almost beaded appearance. The skeletal structure features septa lined with fine spines of varying lengths that rarely fuse together, a detail that separates it from similar-looking Alveopora relatives. In the wild, this species occupies a narrow niche on shallow, wave-washed rocky foreshores, tucked in among algae and soft corals where surge and water movement are a constant presence. That habitat tells you a lot about what it needs in captivity. This is not a low-flow, dim-corner coral. Replicating that energetic, well-lit environment is essential, and because its requirements are specific and its tolerance for suboptimal conditions appears limited, Net Coral is best suited to experienced reef keepers who already have stable, mature systems running. It is reef safe and poses no threat to neighboring corals, but its own demands make it a species to approach with preparation rather than impulse.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Net Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Net Coral need?
- The Net Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Net Coral reef safe?
- The Net Coral is generally considered reef safe.