Bubble Coral 💭 – Plerogyra spp. Care Guide for Reef Aquariums - Aquamarine Aquaristic

Bubble Coral – Plerogyra spp. Care Guide for Reef Aquariums

Written by: jonathan jordon

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Published on

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Time to read 1 min

The Bubble Coral (Plerogyra spp.) is a unique and highly recognisable LPS coral known for its inflated, bubble-like vesicles that give it a soft, flowing appearance in the aquarium.

These corals can make an incredible visual feature in a reef tank, especially when fully inflated and gently swaying in the current.


What Makes Bubble Coral Unique?

Bubble corals have a distinct daily cycle:

  • During the day, they inflate their vesicles to capture light for photosynthesis
  • At night, they retract these bubbles and extend feeding tentacles to capture food

This daily expansion and contraction is completely normal and part of their natural behaviour.


Aggression & Space Requirements ⚠️

Bubble corals are considered highly aggressive LPS corals.

They possess long sweeper tentacles that can extend significantly, especially at night.

Key rule:

👉 Keep at least 6 inches (or more) away from other corals

They can sting and damage nearby corals, particularly:

  • SPS corals
  • Other LPS corals
  • Soft corals in close proximity

Giving them adequate space is essential for long-term success.


Natural Habitat 🌊

In the wild, bubble corals are typically found in:

  • Sheltered reef areas
  • Low current zones
  • Protected lagoon environments

This tells us a lot about their ideal aquarium conditions.


Lighting & Flow Requirements

Bubble corals prefer more gentle, stable environments:

  • Lighting: Low to moderate
  • Flow: Low to gentle indirect flow

Too much flow can:

  • Prevent proper inflation
  • Cause tissue stress
  • Reduce feeding efficiency

Too little flow can:

  • Allow detritus buildup
  • Increase risk of tissue damage or infection

Feeding Bubble Corals 🍤

While they do rely on photosynthesis, bubble corals also benefit greatly from regular feeding.

Suitable foods include:

  • Mysis shrimp
  • Finely chopped seafood
  • LPS coral pellets (e.g. Vitalis-style foods)
  • Zooplankton

Regular feeding supports:

  • Growth
  • Colour intensity
  • Polyp expansion and health

Behaviour & Tank Placement

Bubble corals are best placed:

  • On stable rockwork or sandbed depending on flow
  • In areas with minimal direct flow impact
  • With plenty of clearance from surrounding corals

Their ability to expand significantly means they need extra space beyond their contracted size.


Final Thoughts

The Bubble Coral (Plerogyra spp.) is a visually stunning and rewarding LPS coral that adds unique movement and texture to a reef aquarium.

However, it requires:

  • Careful placement
  • Adequate spacing from other corals
  • Stable low-flow conditions
  • Regular feeding

When these needs are met, it becomes a standout feature coral in any reef system.


More Information Can Be Found Here:

https://reefbuilders.com/tag/bubble-coral/

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bubble-coral-care-guide.123456/

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/md-2014-06-lps-coral-care-guide

https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/5/aafeature