007 WYSIWYG Blunt Tip Birdsnest

007 – Blunt-Tip Birdsnest
Scientific Name: Seriatopora hystrix (Blunt-Tip Morph)
Type: SPS Coral

Overview

This WYSIWYG frag features the less common blunt-tip morph of Seriatopora hystrix, known for its thicker, club-ended branches and dense polyp coverage. Unlike the traditional needle-thin Birdsnest, this variant grows with more structural integrity, making it slightly more forgiving in high-energy reef systems.

The coral displays a healthy, lime-green hue across its compact branches, with uniform polyp extension and excellent form. It's a fast-growing SPS that adds dimension and movement to upper rockwork, while still being manageable in frag tanks and mixed reefs.

Care Requirements

Lighting:
Moderate to high (PAR 200–350). Strong blue-spectrum lighting enhances coloration and encourages compact growth. Acclimate slowly to avoid light shock or tip bleaching.

Water Flow:
High and turbulent. Avoid direct laminar flow. Randomized current supports even branching and healthy polyp extension.

Placement:
Mid to upper rockwork. Allow open space around the colony to promote symmetrical growth and avoid shading from faster-growing species.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic. Benefits from occasional broadcast feeding with reef roids, coral snow, or amino acid blends. Feeding may increase polyp extension and support tissue health during rapid growth phases.

Aggression Level:
Low. Non-aggressive but sensitive to stings from LPS or aggressive soft corals.

Growth Rate:
Fast. Once established, this morph will encrust and send out short, compact branches in all directions.

Difficulty:
Moderate. Excellent for hobbyists stepping deeper into SPS care who want a visually distinct coral that responds quickly to stable conditions.

Additional Notes

This blunt-tip morph is a great fit for aquarists looking for the character of SPS without the fragility of ultra-delicate species. While it thrives in high-energy systems, it's also an ideal candidate for grow-out racks or smaller SPS-focused tanks due to its compact structure.

Maintain tight control of alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium for best growth and color. Avoid drastic swings in nutrients or temperature to prevent base recession or tip loss.