Net Coral
Alveopora marionensis
A delicate lobe-forming coral that demands high flow and experienced hands.
About
Net Coral (Alveopora marionensis) is one of the less commonly encountered Alveopora species in the hobby, and for good reason. It sits firmly in the advanced category and rewards only those prepared to meet its needs. In the wild it turns up exclusively in areas with consistent moderate wave action, which tells you right away that sluggish water is not going to work in the aquarium. Structurally, colonies develop into clusters of short, irregular lobes. Up close, the skeleton is built from compacted rods and spines, with the septa formed from tapered spines that only connect near the base of each corallite. The polyps themselves are fairly compact with short, tapered tentacles. Noticeably less flowing than the long-armed species many hobbyists picture when they think of Alveopora. Coloration is understated: colonies come in uniform grey, brown, or a soft pinkish tone, occasionally finishing with white tentacle tips as the only contrast. It won't dominate a tank visually the way some showpiece corals do, but there is a quiet architectural quality to a healthy colony under good flow and very high lighting. This is genuinely a species best left to experienced reefers who can dial in stable, demanding conditions consistently.
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.