Bubble Pearly White Coral – Live Aquaculture LPS Coral | coralSLover®
Classification: Premium Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Coral Scientific Name:Physogyra lichtensteini Common Names: Bubble Pearly White Coral, Pearl Bubble Coral, White Bladder Coral Type: Aquacultured | Zero Wild Collection Lighting Shown In Photos: Standard blue/actinic aquarium lighting (coral is naturally white, not blue)
The Bubble Pearly White Coral (Physogyra lichtensteini) is a striking and uncommon LPS coral distinguished by its soft, pearl-white vesicles that gently inflate and deflate depending on light conditions. These small, water-filled “bubbles” shimmer under actinic lighting, creating the illusion of glowing pearls woven across the coral’s surface. Despite appearing blue in photographs taken under reef-spectrum lights, the coral’s true coloration is white, with subtle cream and icy silver tones that reflect ambient lighting beautifully.
Known historically as a rare coral in the aquarium trade, Physogyra lichtensteini is now sustainably available through aquaculture. At coralSLover®, each specimen is grown in controlled systems, ensuring stability, adaptability, and superior health compared to wild-sourced colonies.
The coral’s growth pattern can be meandroid, forming ridges and channels beneath the bubbles. When the vesicles retract (usually at night or under lower lighting), the underlying skeletal structure becomes visible, and delicate tentacles may emerge to feed.
This species is closely related to Plerogyra bubble corals but is easily recognized by its smaller vesicles, tighter bladder formation, and unique pearlescent white coloration, making it a truly elegant and distinctive addition to any reef display.
Scientific Information
Genus:Physogyra
Species:P. lichtensteini
Family: Euphylliidae
Distribution: Indo-Pacific (Fiji, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Great Barrier Reef)
Growth Form: Meandroid (folded/walled) or phaceloid bases with small pearl-like vesicles
Coloration: True color is white to pearlescent ivory; appears bluish under reef-spectrum lighting
Feeding Behavior: Inflates vesicles during the day; extends tentacles at night for plankton capture
Care & Placement
Lighting: Low to moderate; vesicles expand more fully under subdued light
Flow: Low to moderate, indirect flow to avoid tearing the delicate bubbles
Placement: Lower rockwork or substrate zones; allow clear space from other corals
Feeding: Benefits from periodic feedings of mysis shrimp, marine snow, or zooplankton
Growth & Behavior
The Bubble Pearly White Coral inflates its small white vesicles during the day, creating a soft balloon-like cluster that reflects light with a pearlescent shine. At night, these vesicles retract, revealing the coral’s ridged structure and allowing tentacles to extend for feeding.
This coral adds rare contrast and texture to reef aquariums, pairing beautifully with high-color LPS and SPS corals due to its neutral white tone, which enhances surrounding colors.
Great For
Reef keepers seeking a unique, pearlescent LPS coral with soft movement, elegant texture, and a color rarely found in the hobby.
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Bubble Pearly White Coral – Live Aquaculture LPS Coral | coralSLover®
Classification: Premium Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Coral Scientific Name:Physogyra lichtensteini Common Names: Bubble Pearly White Coral, Pearl Bubble Coral, White Bladder Coral Type: Aquacultured | Zero Wild Collection Lighting Shown In Photos: Standard blue/actinic aquarium lighting (coral is naturally white, not blue)
The Bubble Pearly White Coral (Physogyra lichtensteini) is a striking and uncommon LPS coral distinguished by its soft, pearl-white vesicles that gently inflate and deflate depending on light conditions. These small, water-filled “bubbles” shimmer under actinic lighting, creating the illusion of glowing pearls woven across the coral’s surface. Despite appearing blue in photographs taken under reef-spectrum lights, the coral’s true coloration is white, with subtle cream and icy silver tones that reflect ambient lighting beautifully.
Known historically as a rare coral in the aquarium trade, Physogyra lichtensteini is now sustainably available through aquaculture. At coralSLover®, each specimen is grown in controlled systems, ensuring stability, adaptability, and superior health compared to wild-sourced colonies.
The coral’s growth pattern can be meandroid, forming ridges and channels beneath the bubbles. When the vesicles retract (usually at night or under lower lighting), the underlying skeletal structure becomes visible, and delicate tentacles may emerge to feed.
This species is closely related to Plerogyra bubble corals but is easily recognized by its smaller vesicles, tighter bladder formation, and unique pearlescent white coloration, making it a truly elegant and distinctive addition to any reef display.
Scientific Information
Genus:Physogyra
Species:P. lichtensteini
Family: Euphylliidae
Distribution: Indo-Pacific (Fiji, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Great Barrier Reef)
Growth Form: Meandroid (folded/walled) or phaceloid bases with small pearl-like vesicles
Coloration: True color is white to pearlescent ivory; appears bluish under reef-spectrum lighting
Feeding Behavior: Inflates vesicles during the day; extends tentacles at night for plankton capture
Care & Placement
Lighting: Low to moderate; vesicles expand more fully under subdued light
Flow: Low to moderate, indirect flow to avoid tearing the delicate bubbles
Placement: Lower rockwork or substrate zones; allow clear space from other corals
Feeding: Benefits from periodic feedings of mysis shrimp, marine snow, or zooplankton
Growth & Behavior
The Bubble Pearly White Coral inflates its small white vesicles during the day, creating a soft balloon-like cluster that reflects light with a pearlescent shine. At night, these vesicles retract, revealing the coral’s ridged structure and allowing tentacles to extend for feeding.
This coral adds rare contrast and texture to reef aquariums, pairing beautifully with high-color LPS and SPS corals due to its neutral white tone, which enhances surrounding colors.
Great For
Reef keepers seeking a unique, pearlescent LPS coral with soft movement, elegant texture, and a color rarely found in the hobby.
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