Pipe Organ Coral

The Pipe Organ Coral is a soft coral, but is often referred to as a hard coral because of its calcareous skeleton. Its common names may also include Organ Pipe Coral, or Daisy Coral. Its genus name, Tubipora, is derived from the Latin words tubus (tube) and porus (pore), describing its tubular skeleton. When its polyps are open, it is often confused with the star polyps or clove polyps because of their similar appearance.

Tubipora musica

Quick Stats: Pipe Organ Coral

Family: Tubiporidae
Range: South Pacific, Indo-Pacific
Color Form: Gray, Green, Maroon, Red, White
Ideal Supplements: Calcium, Iodine, Strontium, Trace elements
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Water Flow: Medium to Strong
Light: High
Dominance: Peaceful
Placement: Low to Medium
Care Level: Moderate




Its behavior is peaceful because it lacks sweeper tentacles, and is safe to place near other peaceful corals. It will require a high light level combined with a medium to strong water movement within the aquarium. It is fragile, however, so it should not be positioned in currents which could displace or damage it. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, iodine, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provides the majority of its nutritional requirements through photosynthesis. It should also be fed additional food such as micro-plankton or brine shrimp at least twice per week.