How do corals know when to start warfare?

[kartrsu]

We all know that corals don’t place nice with each other and there are many tactics to fighting for space. I am curious if anyone has understood how a coral knows a neighbor is getting too close and decides to attack.

For example, my torches when they were smaller did not send out stingers at all. Now they send out long stingers (2-3x normal) to attack other corals. I’ve had to relocate them as they grow.

If it’s chemical sensing, maybe I could run aggressive carbon to reduce the “scent” but is there any other mechanism that would cause a coral to respond aggressively?

 

[blaxsun]

Corals seem to sense when you're finally happy with your reef, and at that point they start screwing with your plans.

 

[kartrsu]

Corals seem to sense when you're finally happy with your reef, and at that point they start screwing with your plans.

Such problem children.