Keeping the Bubble Coral by Kenneth WingerterNothing turns an aquascape into an artistic masterpiece like a huge coral specimen. Whether a massive acro colony, leather coral or whatever, they serve as centerpieces that create a focal point and impart a pleasing visual balance. And, well, if they’re really impressive, they also function as a conversational piece. Arguably, few corals “work” as well for this purpose as the majestic bubble coral. Sure, one could say that bubble corals kind of fell out of fashion over the last decade. Even so, the recently increased availability of captive-propagated specimens and a renewed love for LPS types in general has made more than a few reef aquarists take a second look at them. This article provides a brief overview of their biology as well as their captive care. Bubble coral natural history The term “bubble coral” (as well as pearl coral, bladder coral and grape coral) are variously used to identify several species of coral from two different genera (Plerogyra and Physogyra). Some tentacles of this distinctive group are modified into large vesicles that expand during the day and then completely retract at night. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that these structures play a major role in harvesting light. Depending upon light conditions (and perhaps coral strain), bubbles may be pearly white to light blue or green in color and are usually covered with a fingerprint-like or net-like pattern. Single, straight, hazy, light-colored stripes across each bubble create a cat’s-eye appearance. The bubbles can inflate to rather large sizes (up to a couple of inches across in Plerogyra). Come nighttime, as the bubbles retract, comparatively long, slender sweeper tentacles are deployed for feeding on plankton and combating nearby corals. The skeleton is more or less hidden while the coral polyp is expanded. It bears heavy, deep, conspicuous septa along the top edge. The septa have rather smooth margins. Polyps cling to the septa as they emerge from a deep valley along the center line of the skeleton. Young specimens exhibit an unusual budding method whereby the costae on young colonies develop spiney lobes; new polyps grow over the spines. Colonies may grow to sizes of over a few feet in width (or even much larger in some cases). Plerogyra and Physogyra are distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific region. They often inhabit walls and overhangs in turbid waters on protected rocky or coral reefs. Physogyra is most easily distinguished from Pleropyra by its vesicles; though they too are bubble-like in shape, they are smaller (but more numerous) and bear little tapered tips. Bubble coral captive-care Many aquarists cherish bubble corals on account of their hardiness, adaptability, ease of care, rapid growth and dramatic (if not odd) appearance. You can even forgive their subdued coloration; when mixed among a bunch of bright, flashy SPS corals, their huge, waving, pearly white polyps actually stand out brilliantly. Thankfully, they’re not quite as fragile as they appear from their big, thin, delicate vesicles. Just be careful when handling them to avoid puncturing the soft tissue on the exposed septa; this can cause infections or protozoan infestations that may eventually kill the polyp if not the whole colony. Due to the skeleton’s thick, heavy build and its irregular shape, it can be a little hard to mount securely. Its inverted conical shape makes it a bit top-heavy and presents a yet another challenge while securing it to the hardscape. Glue alone won’t do the trick, so have some epoxy on hand as well for this job. Try to mount the coral in as level a position as possible; this prevents physical stress to the polyp if it is hanging over one lower side of its skeleton. While this coral obtains the majority of food from its zooxanthellae, feeding can increase its growth and improve its overall health by supplementing scarce essential nutrients. Moderate amounts of small or finely chopped meaty items may be used. Some even suggest regular old flake food. The trick is to drop the food directly onto the oral disc closest to the mouth or onto the feeding tentacles when they are fully extended at night. You may of course have to cut the water flow momentarily to keep the food from blowing away, and maybe even have to chase away a few thieving fish or shrimp. These species love a mellow environment where there is moderate-strong lighting and low-moderate water flow. When hit by an especially strong or direct current, they may close up and refuse to open. Chaotic water movement that is just strong enough to jiggle the bubbles around a bit is ideal. Bubble corals can adjust to fairly bright lighting when necessary, but should be photo-acclimated as to avoid stress-related damage. Though bubble corals typically do not “get sick,” it is always a good idea to watch out for parasitic flatworms, particularly on newly acquired specimens. The best way to avoid disease here is to obtain farmed individuals. Bubble corals are now being produced at a commercial scale by Biota (e.g. the lovely icy-blue Pearl Bubble Coral). Perhaps with the better availability of Grade-A, farm-raised bubble corals, we’ll soon see these big, glorious hulks at the center of many more reef aquaria!
James Bradshaw says February 14, 2022 at 3:54 pm Never tried keeping a bubble coral, maybe it’s time? Reply
Lacy Martinez says April 5, 2022 at 3:36 pm I recently got a bubble coral for the first time and it’s been a pleasure watching it grow. I definitely have to make sure it’s in a sweet spot with the light and flow. Reply
Carlos Matias-Tejada says March 9, 2023 at 4:25 pm how aggressive has it been with its sweepers? Reply
paulmat says March 17, 2022 at 2:25 am they are hard to mount! I have one that the glue failed on & it got really damaged. It’s barely hanging in there now. Reply
Ricks Garage says February 14, 2022 at 4:28 pm Gonna be a coral that I will be getting when new tank is set up Reply
billy.t.williams12 says February 28, 2022 at 2:25 pm My wife loves it but just letting you know it grows like crazy. Be ready to do a lot of maintenance. Reply
Ricks Garage says February 14, 2022 at 4:28 pm Gonna be a coral that I will be getting when new tank is set up 125 gallon may purchase for my frag tank also Reply
Ricks Garage says February 14, 2022 at 4:31 pm I’ve always liked this coral but been scared to put it in my tank after reading this article I think I’m ready Reply
Robert says February 14, 2022 at 6:47 pm I will have to get some bubble coral. And do more research Reply
gerrynator4 says February 14, 2022 at 11:42 pm If I had more space in my tank I would definitely add bubble coral! Reply
gerrynator4 says February 14, 2022 at 11:42 pm If I had more space in my tank I would definitely add bubble coral! Reply
gerrynator4 says February 14, 2022 at 11:42 pm If I had more space in my tank I would definitely add bubble coral! Reply
gerrynator4 says February 14, 2022 at 11:43 pm If I had more space in my tank I would definitely add bubble coral! They look stunning, but I don’t have much real estate for it. Reply
gerrynator4 says February 14, 2022 at 11:45 pm In the future, if I upgrade Ill dedicate a rock for it. Reply
Alexandra Gulledge says February 16, 2022 at 11:28 pm I’ve heard these can be pretty expensive. Reply
ply5757 says February 20, 2022 at 1:22 pm Very interesting reading. Now I want a bubble coral for my future tank. Reply
danielstrahan.11 says February 21, 2022 at 8:52 pm Bubble coral is great until it stings everything! Reply
jason_lifted35 says February 28, 2022 at 10:20 pm Definitely a coral that will be in my list of new frags. Reply
Raven says March 3, 2022 at 7:28 pm kinda odd how thier not as regular as normal coral the bubble coral is stunning Reply
Chris Chavez says March 8, 2022 at 4:43 am Love this coral unfortunately I have too much flow to keep successfully Reply
Chris Chavez says March 8, 2022 at 4:43 am Love this coral unfortunately I have too much flow to keep successfully Reply
Chris Chavez says March 8, 2022 at 4:43 am Love this coral unfortunately I have too much flow to keep successfully Reply
sharkbaitsnyder says March 20, 2022 at 9:13 pm This is inspiring me to keep a bubble coral… I’ll give it a shot! Reply
Jeff Carr says April 5, 2022 at 3:35 am Good info. I have a bubble coral that’s wasn’t looking to hot when I bought it from lfs. I’m trying to revive it now. Wish me luck. Reply
Jeff Carr says April 5, 2022 at 3:35 am Good info. I have a bubble coral that’s wasn’t looking to hot when I bought it from lfs. I’m trying to revive it now. Wish me luck. Reply
sarah.sandpoint says April 11, 2022 at 8:17 pm I am getting a bubble coral very soon, been saving a perfect spot for it! Thanks for the nice write up. Reply
Jonathan Morera says April 12, 2022 at 7:06 am Bubble corals are always show pieces. For some reason, people are always attracted to them. Reply
blackadonai says April 14, 2022 at 9:09 am I wonder if bubble coral would be safe for a seahorse Tank Reply
whittaker217 says April 16, 2022 at 4:52 am I love this coral. My first one I’ve had about 7 years and I just added a small blue bubble. Reply
Dallas says April 18, 2022 at 8:20 pm Bubble corals are beautiful! They just grow a bit big for me! Reply
cranescoop says May 29, 2022 at 10:00 pm Very interesting and the photos were very informative. Reply
cranescoop says May 29, 2022 at 10:00 pm Very interesting and the photos were very informative. Reply
cranescoop says May 29, 2022 at 10:00 pm Very interesting and the photos were very informative. Reply
cranescoop says May 29, 2022 at 10:00 pm Very interesting and the photos were very informative. Reply
cranescoop says May 29, 2022 at 10:00 pm Very interesting and the photos were very informative. Reply
ernie.alvarez0325 says May 30, 2022 at 4:41 pm Wow these are beautiful! Something different other than typical Zoas and mushrooms! Reply
Daniel Olguin says June 3, 2022 at 9:56 am I always want to keep this coral Very interesting and the photos were very informative Reply
markwdunlap88 says June 6, 2022 at 2:53 pm I am somewhat a noob and have had my bubble coral for about 5 months now and it does grow quickly. I have my in my sand-bed but what I have found is target feeding once a week and at night when it’s open really makes the colors vibrant Reply
Griffin says June 8, 2022 at 8:53 pm ive had mine for 6+ years but my elegance keeps it in check Reply
Donald says June 13, 2022 at 2:47 pm With this information I may have to try finding some for my next tank. Thank you. Reply
joshuastevens930 says June 13, 2022 at 8:17 pm Nice coral but I stick to soft corals cause if it’s dies I wouldn’t be happy soft corals are cheaper Reply
sclarke_o says June 16, 2022 at 5:45 am I thinks it’s time to start keeping coral … just a few supplies needed n hope to see corals on display…. Lost every fish I had to a power outage now in slowly coming back after about 2yrs n some Reply
tcobosco says June 21, 2022 at 3:50 am I’m not sure I’m ready for a bubble coral yet still too new Reply
robert.lowell says June 25, 2022 at 6:29 pm Building my 3rd reef. This is always one of my first additions Reply
Cammie Carman says July 1, 2022 at 10:32 am I have had a difficult time finding these Lin my local LFS. Reply
Raven Scholtz says July 13, 2022 at 9:17 am It’s a unique shaped LPS coral for sure! Even though it is unique is it’s appearance I think it’s harder for LFS to come by or they choose to not to carry them. We have them in stock from Biota currently and they are aquacultured! 🙂 https://www.algaebarn.com/shop/corals/lps/biota-pearl-bubble-coral/?gclid=CjwKCAjw2rmWBhB4EiwAiJ0mtXH07MfTC7X2bzkRjlY-FCEGk80TllqNU8Ob-oFdEzaQd1fpXIe8whoCjOsQAvD_BwE Reply
matthew.k.wyatt says July 6, 2022 at 3:26 pm Love my bubble coral, has grown a lot since i bought it. Reply
Alan J. Tomasetti says July 8, 2022 at 5:00 pm Does anyone else think they should be called the pearls of the ocean? Reply
Raven Scholtz says July 13, 2022 at 9:05 am They can if you aren’t gentle as their skeleton has sharp/deep ridges and their flesh is kind of thin- but they heal relatively quick! Reply
Christopher Johnson says October 31, 2022 at 3:10 am My buddy has one, lost its color and went brown. But still healthy. I told him its his lighting. Reply
Griffin says November 2, 2022 at 10:34 am When I bought my bubble coral I figured it’d have the huge bubbles, but not my species. I have grown to appreciate that it’s different, but will absolutely have to have the standard form someday. The marbled or green splashed variations are unreal!! I also am still surprised every evening when I see how long its sweepers are!! It is constantly trying to sting Euphyllia. Love it, beautiful coral. 10/10 still recommend Reply
KiltedReefer says November 5, 2022 at 2:43 pm Another amazing coral I want to add to my collection! Saving for a torch at the moment and know it will be great to add a bubble with it. Reply
Yueqi Wang says November 18, 2022 at 6:11 pm Just added one to my tank, good to learn some knowledge here! Reply
Pete Tellers says November 29, 2022 at 4:23 pm Hands down one of my favorite corals. Great addition to any reef tank! Reply
Andrew says December 20, 2022 at 12:51 pm Love this post! Can’t wait to get my first bubble coral. 🙂 Reply
Manuel Urrutia says January 28, 2023 at 12:28 pm It’s nice to read up on some of the technical aspects of keeping such coral alive and healthy. As a beginner I won’t dive right into something I will likely lack the knowledge of caring for but it will definitely help prepare me for when I take that next step in my aquarium adventure. Reply
Menerd The Menace says February 5, 2023 at 1:31 pm one day maybe I’ll be able to keep these alive Reply
Robert Staie says February 21, 2023 at 6:24 am Bubble corals are a great edition to any mixed reef. I have seen them in systems as big as 10 inches in diameter inflated on 2 inch skeleton. Reply
Premchander Reddy says February 27, 2023 at 8:24 am My wife thinks they are gross, But I love them 🙂 Reply
Leah Tucker says March 19, 2023 at 6:16 am I would love to add one of these but I’m so new at this 🙁 Reply
Cj Deleon says May 6, 2023 at 11:16 am Just started a new tank after years without. Once established, this is on “my list”! Reply
Fallon Landrum says June 9, 2023 at 12:02 pm Bubble coral is on my list! They are so beautiful! Reply
Josh says September 13, 2023 at 3:50 pm I have had one bubble, but it didn’t do to well, and seemed to sting everything in sight. Reply
Nicholas Aguiar says September 13, 2023 at 5:01 pm i do intend to get some bubbles for my future reef, but rn i’m making a seahorse tank with rocks and macroalgea so i’m not trying to have any stinging corals yet. Reply
professorcanswanky says November 12, 2023 at 9:38 am I definitely need to get one of these in my reef. They’re such beautiful corals. Reply
Noah Fowler says November 19, 2023 at 7:06 pm Always wanted to start an lps only tank I’d love to have a bubble. I just can’t stay away from the stix Reply
Brendan Thomas says December 5, 2023 at 5:23 pm Definitely on my list of corals I want to add to my tank Reply
Matthew Hubble says March 21, 2024 at 7:36 pm They’re beautiful! One more thing to add to my list lol Reply
Joseph Uttlinger says July 10, 2024 at 9:17 pm Never really found them too appealing, however, wouldn’t be opposed to trying something new. Reply
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