Watermelon Psammocora

Watermelon Psammocora: A Colorful, Underrated SPS Coral

The Watermelon Psammocora is a vibrant, encrusting SPS coral that brings unique texture and color to reef aquariums. With its bright green base and contrasting pink to red highlights, this coral can quickly become a standout piece in both nano and larger reef systems.

Care Requirements for Watermelon Psammocora

Despite being an SPS coral, Watermelon Psammocora is often considered more forgiving than many Acropora or Montipora species. It’s a great choice for hobbyists looking to step up from soft corals and LPS into the SPS world.

Lighting & Placement

Watermelon Psammocora thrives under moderate to high lighting, but it can adapt well if changes are made gradually.

  • Lighting: Moderate–high PAR (150–250 is a good target)
  • Placement: Mid to upper rockwork with good water movement
  • Acclimation: Start lower in the tank and move up over several weeks

Flow & Water Parameters

Stable parameters are key to keeping this coral colorful and healthy.

  • Flow: Moderate to strong, random flow to keep detritus off the surface
  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity
  • Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
  • Calcium: 420–450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm

Tip: Psammocora can encrust quickly over rockwork. Leave space around it so it doesn’t overgrow slower neighbors.

Feeding, Growth, and Compatibility

Feeding & Growth

While Watermelon Psammocora gets most of its energy from light via its zooxanthellae, it also benefits from occasional feeding.

  • Target feed fine coral foods or powdered plankton 1–2 times per week
  • Maintain strong, stable nutrients (nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm)
  • Watch for color changes; pale tissue can indicate too little nutrient or too much light

This coral tends to grow as a thick, encrusting mat with small, uniform polyps. Over time, it can cover rock surfaces, creating a colorful base for your aquascape.

Tank Mates & Placement Strategy

Watermelon Psammocora is generally peaceful but can outcompete nearby corals by overgrowing them.

  • Avoid placing it right next to slow-growing SPS colonies
  • Give extra room around fleshy LPS to prevent contact
  • Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates

Is Watermelon Psammocora Right for Your Reef?

If you’re looking for an SPS coral that offers bold color, interesting texture, and relatively easy care, Watermelon Psammocora is an excellent option. It bridges the gap between beginner and advanced corals, rewarding stable husbandry with fast, colorful coverage on your rockwork.

For more SPS care guidance, explore our articles on Montipora coral care and beginner-friendly SPS corals. If you’re still building your reef, our reef aquarium lighting guide can help you dial in the right PAR for corals like Watermelon Psammocora.