Birdsnest Coral Care Guide
About Birdsnest
Birdsnest Coral (Seriatopora spp.) is a fast-growing, branching small polyp stony (SPS) coral known for its delicate, intricate structure. Its thin, pointed branches can form dense tangles or open, tree-like shapes depending on variety and flow conditions. They are prized for their vibrant colors, ranging from neon green and pink to deep purple and tan. These corals are a great choice for reefers just getting into SPS as well as experienced hobbyists. Birdsnest corals are hardier than many SPS species and generally require less intense lighting. With proper care, Birdsnest Coral can quickly become a standout centerpiece in your tank.
Care Requirements
Quick overview for keeping your coral thriving
Difficulty
Beginner Friendly
Lighting
Moderate
Water Flow
Moderate
Stable water is most of Birdsnest care
Log salinity, alkalinity, calcium, and the rest in Meta Reef's free parameter tracker. Trend charts and per-tank target ranges catch drift before it stresses your coral.
Buying Advice
What to look for when purchasing
Coloration
Look for vivid, natural colors such as bright greens, pinks, or purples. Even coloration across branches is a good sign of health.
Tissue Health
Choose frags with dense, intact branches and no exposed white skeleton. Healthy frags should have full pointed branch tips.
Polyp Extension
Look for frags with complete tissue coverage. Avoid any pieces showing bare skeleton, peeling tissue, or dark recession at the base.
Growth Tips
Small, lighter-colored tips at branch ends often indicate fresh, healthy growth.
Taxonomy
Species
Reef Value
Live pricing$1,860
+$120 this month
Priced from live marketplace listings
Birdsnest
Just added · Frag rack
$45
Hammer Coral
8 months · Mid rock
$65
Zoa Colony
1 year · Sand bed
$40
Keep It Thriving. Track Your Whole Reef
Add your Birdsnest to your tank's living inventory — placement, source, and photos as it grows — next to the parameter logs and maintenance history that keep it thriving. Reef Value even shows what your collection is worth, priced from live marketplace listings.
Find Your Perfect Birdsnest
Compare prices from 9+ verified sellers. From budget-friendly frags to rare collector pieces.
Starting at
$15
Average Price
$45
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$225
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Frequently Asked
Common questions about Birdsnest corals
How fast does Birdsnest Coral grow?
Birdsnest Coral is considered one of the faster-growing SPS corals. Under stable conditions, new branch growth is often visible within weeks, with colonies steadily thickening and expanding over time.
Is Birdsnest Coral beginner-friendly?
Yes, Birdsnest Coral is considered a great beginner-friendly SPS due to its hardiness and adaptability. While it still requires clean, stable water parameters, it is more forgiving than many other SPS species.
Can Birdsnest Coral change colors?
Yes. Birdsnest Corals may shift color due to stress, water parameter changes, lighting differences, or nutrient fluctuations. New frags often adjust color as they acclimate. Stable lighting and chemistry help maintain their brightest coloration.
All SPS Corals
Browse the complete collection of SPS coral care guides