Encrusting Horn Coral

Hydnophora exesa

Saltwater Coral Species Group: Hydnophora Family: Merulinidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

 pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

 NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

 NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

 PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

 NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

 Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

 KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

 Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

 SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

 ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Encrusting Horn Coral

General information

In general, corals coming from the genus Hydnophora takes several coral lifeform like branching and arborescent. Most of its member species does not have an encrusting base and usually has an appearance that resembles like a tree. They have a unique skeletal structure like calcareous bumps that are common in areas where corallites intersect with each other.

As for the Encrusting Horn Coral, they are predominantly colored green. This are the water parameters in cultivating Encrusting Horn Coral:

  • Calcium: 385 – 425 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 2.86 – 4.29 MEQ/L (8 – 12 dKH)
  • Phosphates: 0
  • Magnesium: 1350 – 1500
  • Strontium: 8 – 10
  • Temperature: 74° – 83° F (23° – 28° C)
  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025

Diet & nutrition

The Encrusting Horn Coral get its primary nutrition from the symbiotic zooxanthellae living within its tissues. However, since they have a voracious appetite, supplemental feeding is highly recommended by adding mysis and brine shrimp.

Determining sex

A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Encrusting Horn Coral. They must be set at the middle or bottom part of the tank.

Breeding & spawning

The Encrusting Horn Coral requires moderate to strong lighting and moderate waterflow.

Origination

The Encrusting Horn Coral can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, particularly in Australia, Nicobar Islands, Fiji, Kyushu Islands and in the Marianas Islands. They are now considered as a near threatened species listed under Appendix II of the CITES list.

Cautions

The Encrusting Horn Coral has an aggressive behaviour. With this, proper spacing must be observed in relation to other corals. You also have to take note that their color may fade, especially if lighting requirement is not meet.

Acclimation process

Encrusting Horn Coral is purely marine. So, therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

All photos

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