Pinky and the Brain Pocillopora

Pinky and the Brain Pocillopora: The Highly Contrasting Pink and Green Coral

The Pinky and the Brain Pocillopora (Pocillopora species) is a unique and sought-after collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Pocillopora, commonly known as "Cauliflower Corals" or "Bush Corals," are valued for their durability, rapid growth, and knobby, thicket-forming structure.

This specific strain is named after the iconic cartoon duo for its high-contrast color scheme. It typically exhibits a base tissue that ranges from bright bubblegum pink, hot pink, or magenta. This vibrant pink base is sharply contrasted by prominent, extended polyps in brilliant neon green or chartreuse. The dual coloration is highly fluorescent and creates a striking "pink brain, green polyps" effect.

The Pinky and the Brain Pocillopora grows in a dense, branching, and columnar morphology, forming thick, knobby bushes. It is considered an Easy to Moderate care SPS coral, making it a robust addition to a mixed or SPS-dominant tank. It requires consistent water chemistry, high light, and strong, chaotic water flow to maintain its dense structure and maximum color saturation.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving most energy from symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae) but is also an opportunistic Carnivore.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is recommended and highly beneficial for accelerating growth and ensuring the deepest color saturation. Its small, sticky polyps readily capture fine particulate foods. Target feed 2-3 times per week with very fine foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but generally Semi-Aggressive. While it lacks long sweeper tentacles, Pocillopora can produce long, clear mesenterial filaments to sting and digest neighbors if they touch or are too close. Due to its fast growth and potential mild aggression, ensure it has sufficient space (at least 2 inches) from sensitive corals.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Semi-Aggressive/Competitive toward other corals. It should be positioned on high rockwork where it receives High PAR lighting (300-450 PAR) and strong, non-laminar, turbulent water flow to support its high metabolic rate and prevent stagnant water within the colony's dense structure.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with very low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pocillopora sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Pinky and the Brain Pocillopora
• Other Common Names: Pink Base Green Polyp Pocillopora, Pink Bush Coral
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can form large, dense bushes (8+ inches tall)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (Fast-growing and uses mesenterial filaments)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons (Established SPS or Mixed Reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, hardy branching SPS option)
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate