Description

Cat Eyes Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa)

Mesmerising “Eye” Pattern LPS Showpiece

 

The Cat Eyes Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa) is a truly captivating LPS coral, instantly recognisable by the distinct darker centres within each inflated vesicle — creating the signature “cat eye” effect. During the day, its translucent bubbles expand into smooth, rounded pearls, each with a contrasting eye-like marking that adds depth and personality to your reef aquarium.

Unlike standard bubble corals, the Cat Eyes variety offers extra visual intrigue thanks to its patterned vesicles. Under blue-spectrum lighting, the eyes glow dramatically, making this coral a standout centrepiece in LPS-dominant and mixed reef systems. When fully expanded, Plerogyra sinuosa transforms into a flowing, sculptural display that adds softness, movement, and elegance to your aquascape.

This species typically forms a wall-type skeleton, meaning careful placement and stable water parameters are essential for long-term success.

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Why You’ll Love Cat Eyes Bubble Coral 💚✨

• 🐱 Unique “cat eye” markings in each bubble

• 🫧 Large, inflated vesicles with gentle swaying movement

• 🫧 Exceptional fluorescence under blue lighting

• 🫧 Dramatic centrepiece coral for LPS reefs

• 🫧 Rewarding growth in stable systems

If you’re looking for something different from standard bubble corals, Cat Eyes Plerogyra sinuosa delivers personality and visual depth in one elegant package.

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Care & Placement 🧪🌊

Lighting:

• Low to moderate lighting

• Avoid intense direct light which can cause tissue stress

Water Flow:

• Low, gentle, indirect flow

• Strong flow prevents full vesicle inflation and may damage tissue

Placement:

• Best positioned on the sand bed or lower rockwork

• Ensure no sharp rock edges contact the fleshy tissue

• Allow ample space around the coral — long sweeper tentacles extend at night

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24–26°C

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

Consistency is key. Because Plerogyra sinuosa typically grows in a wall formation, damage to one section can impact the colony, so avoid frequent repositioning.

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Feeding & Growth 🍤

While photosynthetic, Cat Eyes Bubble Coral benefits from regular target feeding to enhance growth and colour intensity.

Ideal foods include:

• Mysis shrimp

• Finely chopped marine meaty foods

• LPS pellets or coral blends

Feed once or twice weekly with flow temporarily reduced to allow proper capture. Feeding tentacles usually extend in the evening, making night-time feeding particularly effective.

Growth is moderate, forming a fuller colony over time rather than branching outward.

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Aquascaping Inspiration 🪨✨

Cat Eyes Plerogyra sinuosa works beautifully as a feature coral in LPS gardens. Its rounded vesicles contrast perfectly with branching torches, hammers, or plating corals. Under actinic lighting during evening viewing, the “eyes” appear to glow, creating a mesmerising focal point that draws attention from across the room.

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Quick Facts 📌

• Coral Type: LPS (Large Polyp Stony)

• Species: Plerogyra sinuosa

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive (long sweeper tentacles at night)

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Lighting: Low–Moderate

• Flow: Low

• Placement: Sand bed or lower rockwork

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Add Cat Eyes Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa) to your reef for a truly unique, glowing LPS centrepiece that combines movement, pattern, and personality 🐱🫧

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