White Coral
Desmophyllum pertusum
Also known as: eye coral, Eye Coral, white stony coral
A cold-water reef builder found at depths most divers never reach.
About
White coral (Desmophyllum pertusum) is one of those species that quietly defies everything most reef keepers think they know about corals. Unlike the tropical SPS corals that dominate the hobby, this is a deep-water, cold-tolerant scleractinian with a cosmopolitan range that stretches from subarctic to subantarctic latitudes and from shallow reef margins down to depths well beyond 3,000 meters. In the wild it forms substantial reef structures in the absence of light, relying on heterotrophic feeding rather than zooxanthellae. Meaning it has no symbiotic algae to do the heavy lifting. That alone sets it apart from nearly everything else you might keep in a reef tank. In an aquarium context it is rated intermediate in care, and given its unusual biology that seems about right. This is not a forgiving beginner coral, but it is manageable for a keeper who understands its needs. It prefers moderate flow and moderate lighting, though its deep-water origins suggest it is more tolerant of lower light than most stony corals. Also known as eye coral, it carries a few other informal names that reflect its distinctive skeletal appearance. Source data on captive husbandry is relatively limited, so research before acquiring is worthwhile.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with White Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What does the White Coral eat?
- The White Coral is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the White Coral reef safe?
- The White Coral is generally considered reef safe.