Pearl Bubble Coral

The Physogyra Pearl Bubble Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral, and is also referred to as a Grape Coral, Small Bubble Coral, or Octobubble. Its genus name, Physogyra, comes from the Latin words physa (air bubble) and gyros (wide circle), which describes its retractable, circular, bubble-shaped polyps. Its polyps are white to tan or green and look like a cluster of grapes or balloons with pointed tips when open during the day.

Physogyra sp.

Quick Stats: Pearl Bubble Coral

Family: Caryophylliidae
Polyp Size: LPS - Large polyp stony
Range: Indo-Pacific
Color Form: Green, Tan, White
Ideal Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace elements
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Water Flow: Low to Medium
Light: Medium
Dominance: Aggressive
Placement: Low to Medium
Care Level: Easy




Its behavior is aggressive and will use its long sweeper tentacles to sting corals that are placed in close proximity to it. It can also sting the reef aquarist who tries to handle it while its sweeper tentacles are out, so precautions should be taken when doing maintenance in the tank. The Physogyra Pearl Bubble Coral requires a medium light level combined with a low to medium water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

It will also benefit from additional feedings fed weekly in the form of brine shrimp or micro-plankton.