Nierstrasz's Coral

About

Nierstrasz's Coral (Psammocora nierstraszi) is a solid, no-nonsense stony coral that grows in either massive or encrusting forms, making it a visually weighty addition to a reef display. Its most recognizable feature is the network of deeply winding valleys that cut across the colony surface, often with steep sidewalls that give the whole structure a brain-like, labyrinthine quality. The individual corallites are scattered somewhat independently of these valleys, and the primary septa extend outward in a petal-like fashion, giving the surface a noticeably rough, textured feel rather than the smooth finish you see on many other small-polyp stony corals. Coloration tends toward the understated side. Greys, warm browns, and creams are typical, so this isn't a coral you keep for vivid color. In the wild it occupies a wide Indo-Pacific range and tends to favor reef zones with consistent wave energy, which tells you something about its constitution. It's a reasonably tough coral, but it does sit in the intermediate care bracket, meaning it rewards keepers who have a handle on stable water quality and consistent husbandry. Given its natural preference for higher-energy environments, good flow in the aquarium will help keep it healthy and looking its best.