Bush Coral

About

Bush coral (Seriatopora guttata) is a small-polyp stony coral native to the Indo-West Pacific, found across a broad range from the East African coast to the central Pacific and from shallow reef flats down to around 40 meters. It belongs to the same genus as the well-known bird's nest corals, and the family resemblance is clear. Thin, tapering branches radiate outward in a dense, bushy arrangement that gives the coral its common name. Polyps are small and neatly arranged along the branches in a characteristic serial pattern that distinguishes Seriatopora corals from similar branching SPS species. In the aquarium, this coral demands serious flow and intense lighting, which puts it firmly in the intermediate-to-advanced category. Low flow leads to tissue recession and algae accumulation between branches, and insufficient light will cause it to brown out and decline slowly. Placement high in the tank where it receives good current from multiple directions is usually the right approach. It is reef safe and will not harm neighboring corals through sweeper tentacles, though its fine branches are vulnerable to physical damage during maintenance. Experienced SPS keepers who can dial in consistent water quality will find it a rewarding and architecturally interesting addition to a mature reef system.