Net Coral
Alveopora verrilliana
A branching open-skeleton coral that demands expert-level reef conditions.
About
Net Coral (Alveopora verrilliana) is a branching stony coral from the shallow reefs of the Central Pacific, typically found at depths between about 3 and 25 meters in well-lit, high-energy reef zones. Colonies grow in a loosely irregular pattern of short, knobby branches. Each corallite is rimmed with blunt septal spines and a distinct row of vertical spines projecting above the wall, giving the skeleton an open, lattice-like appearance that explains the common name. When polyps are fully extended, they stretch out noticeably long relative to the colony's overall size, lending the coral a soft, almost flowy look that contrasts with the rigid structure beneath. Coloration tends toward earthy tones, dark greenish-brown, grey, or chocolate, sometimes accented by pale white oral cones or tentacle tips. In the aquarium, Alveopora verrilliana is considered a challenging species to keep long-term. It requires intense lighting and strong, consistent water movement to replicate its natural shallow-reef conditions, and it is best approached by experienced reefers who already have a stable, well-established system. Like other members of the Alveopora genus, it can be sensitive to water quality fluctuations and may decline gradually before obvious signs of stress appear.
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.
- What does the Net Coral eat?
- The Net Coral is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Net Coral reef safe?
- The Net Coral is generally considered reef safe.