Bubble Corals: Complete Care Guide

In this article, we will be discussing all about Bubble Corals.

Introduction

Bubble corals are stony corals from the genus Physogyra. They are more often brought into the hobby from Indonesia. However, they are found all across the pacific.

These are some of those Stony corals that many beginners in the hobby mistake by soft corals. Their fleshy body often hides the fact that they have a skeleton. They come in two main varieties that are commonly seen. Ones that have round grape-shaped bubbles and others that have irregularly shaped bubbles.

Bubble corals have a unique aesthetic. However, it is not uncommon in this hobby. For example, some have a clear translucent bubble-like appearance. There is also another variety of LPS coral that is used to call Endophyllia. Still, it has since been reclassifying, but it too has a translucent body that is sort of bubbling.

Feeding

Like just about every large polyps stony coral that we come across, Buble corals appreciate food now and then. They have a single largemouth that can accept fairly large pieces of food. 

Bubble coral also eats different types of shrimp-like mice and krill, as well as pellet food like LPS. 

One thing to watch out for is handling these corals. They have a distinctive skeleton with large plate-like Septa which are both sharp and edgy. The flesh of the coral is very delicate and often is wounded when the skeleton comes in contact with another hard object. 

This can lead to infection which is how most of these corals end up dying. If you see signs of damage, it is a good idea to give the coral a quick dip in an iodine solution as it acts as a disinfectant.

It is not uncommon for these corals to be severely damaged during the shipping process if not done with coral. You can suspend them upside down to minimize contact with the shipping container.

Regenerative

Having said that, Bubble corals have incredible regenerative abilities. There can be colonies that look dead but can come back to life with proper care. The tiniest slivers of flesh that remains, once stabilized can form a new healthy colony, and within a year regain impressive size if you happen to have one that dies in your care, don't be in a huge hurry to throw away the skeleton. You may be surprised by what grows from it in the future.

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