Net Coral

About

Net Coral (Alveopora spongiosa) is a large colonial coral found across the Indo-West Pacific, typically growing on protected upper reef slopes at relatively shallow depths. In the wild it can spread into impressive flat or irregular plates, occasionally encrusting over wide areas and reaching more than two metres across, though aquarium specimens naturally stay more modest in size. The colony surface is dotted with corallites bearing fine septal spines that rarely link together, giving the coral its characteristic open, net-like texture. When polyps extend, you'll often see an arrangement of six larger tentacles alternating with six smaller ones, tipped in either a pointed or knob-like shape. Coloration runs mostly toward uniform pale or dark brown, though the tentacle tips can show white, and green morphs do appear occasionally. Like others in the Alveopora genus, this species relies on zooxanthellae and benefits from strong, consistent lighting and good water movement to mirror its natural shallow-reef environment. It sits firmly in the advanced category. Not a coral to start with if you're newer to reef keeping. Stable water chemistry and attentive husbandry are non-negotiable here, and it rewards experienced reefers who can meet those demands consistently.