Green Branching Hydnophora

Green Branching Hydnophora Coral – Care & Description

🧬 Scientific Name:

Hydnophora rigida (branching form)

🐠 Common Names:

Green Hydnophora, Horn Coral, Green Horn Coral, Knob Coral

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🌟 Description:

The Green Branching Hydnophora is a striking SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral with a vibrant neon green color and sharp, jagged growth structure that resembles deer antlers or fingers. Its texture is unmistakable — with pronounced ridges and protrusions ("hydnophores") — making it a unique eye-catcher in any reef tank.

This coral grows rapidly in favorable conditions and forms a dense, tree-like structure that's ideal for filling vertical space in your aquascape.

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🛠️ Care Level:

Moderate to Advanced – Best for reefers with stable tank conditions and some SPS experience.

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🌊 Water Parameters:

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💡 Lighting:

• Moderate to high (PAR 200–350 range).

• Intense lighting helps maintain its vivid coloration.

• Acclimate slowly to avoid bleaching.

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🌬️ Water Flow:

• Moderate to strong flow.

• Helps prevent detritus buildup and promotes proper polyp extension.

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🍽️ Feeding:

• Primarily photosynthetic but may benefit from:

  • Target feeding with microplankton, reef roids, or amino acids.

  • Feeding at night may improve uptake and growth.

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📍 Placement:

• Upper to middle areas of the tank for optimal light and flow.

• Mount securely to rockwork — it encrusts as it grows and forms vertical branches.

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⚠️ Aggression & Compatibility:

• Highly aggressive coral.

• Has strong sweeper tentacles and can damage neighboring corals via stings or allelopathy.

• Leave ample spacing (at least 3–4 inches) between it and other corals.

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🔄 Growth & Behavior:

• Fast-growing under stable conditions.

• Will encrust and branch simultaneously, forming complex, knobby colonies.

• Can overtake nearby corals if not trimmed or spaced properly.

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✅ Pro Tips:

• Keep water chemistry ultra-stable for best color and growth.

• Great for SPS-dominant or mixed reefs, but be cautious with placement.

• Use frag plugs or discs for propagation — frags heal quickly and grow fast.