Birdsnest Coral

About

Birdsnest coral (Pocillopora tuahiniensis) is a relatively recent addition to the scientific record, having only been formally described in 2023 as its own species distinct from other pocilloporids. It hails from French Polynesia in the eastern central Pacific, where it grows on benthic reef structures at depths ranging from about 5 to 20 meters. Like other members of its family, it produces the classic tangled, twig-like branching growth form that gives birdsnest corals their common name. A dense, three-dimensional skeleton that creates interesting texture and structure in a reef display. Because this species was only recently separated from related corals, dedicated hobbyist experience with it specifically is still limited, but its care requirements align with what you'd expect from pocilloporids generally. It demands solid light levels and strong, consistent water movement to thrive, and it rewards keepers who can maintain stable, high-quality water conditions. This isn't a coral for someone just getting started with SPS, but for an intermediate keeper with a well-established system and reliable flow and lighting, it can be a rewarding and geographically distinctive addition to a reef tank.