WYSIWYG Lush Oasis Birdsnest Coral (Seriatopora sp.)

The Lush Oasis Birdsnest is a branching SPS coral (Seriatopora sp.) in a solid, bright lime green with a dense coat of fine polyps. Birdsnest corals grow into dense, twiggy colonies, which is where the name comes from. This is a small frag with three short branches on its own plug. Birdsnest is a good next step for reef keepers moving into SPS who can keep their water stable. Browse the rest of our live coral selection to build out your reef.

Why WYSIWYG Matters on a Birdsnest

Birdsnest frags vary in color and shape, so the photo on this page is this frag: three short lime green branches on a round plug. Two honest caveats come with it. The picture was taken under blue-heavy reef lighting, which makes the green look brighter, so under a whiter light expect a softer green. And polyp extension changes day to day, so a freshly moved frag may look less fuzzy for a few days while it settles in.

Care Guide

Lighting: high. Birdsnest corals need strong light to hold their color. Start the frag lower in the tank and move it up over a couple of weeks so it does not bleach from a sudden jump in intensity.

Flow: medium to strong. Good, varied flow keeps detritus off the branches and the polyps extended.

Placement: middle to top of the rockwork. The thin branches are brittle and easy to snap, so handle the frag by its plug and keep it clear of anything that might knock it.

Water parameters: 72 to 78°F, specific gravity 1.023 to 1.025, pH 8.1 to 8.4, alkalinity 8 to 12 dKH. Like most SPS, it handles steady parameters far better than swings, so keep alkalinity and calcium stable and supplement calcium and trace elements as your tank needs them.

Feeding: photosynthetic. Good light and stable water do most of the work.

Acclimation: drip acclimate, then acclimate to your lighting gradually.

Specifications

Recommended Supplies

• Water testing to keep alkalinity, calcium and magnesium steady
• Reef additives and supplements for calcium and trace elements
• Seachem Reef Glue for mounting frags to your rockwork

FAQ

Is a birdsnest a good first SPS?
It is often recommended as one of the more approachable SPS corals, but it still needs strong light, good flow and stable alkalinity. If your tank is new or parameters swing, start with LPS or soft corals first.

Will it sting its neighbors?
It is rated peaceful. Still give it room to grow so it does not crowd or shade neighboring corals.

Why did it look paler after I added it?
Usually from a sudden change in light. Start it lower in the tank and raise it gradually over a couple of weeks.

Is the photo the exact coral?
Yes. This is a WYSIWYG listing, and the photo is the exact frag you take home. Expect the green to look a little softer under whiter lighting.