So, um... just how big do bubble corals get?

[Brett S]

Back in early 2016 I added a cute little bubble coral to my 220G tank...

More than three years later he has grown into a monster...

He’s a good foot in diameter when fully opened and he’s definitely starting to get a bit close to some of his neighbors.

This pavona is pretty much in constant contact with the bubble now and it’s surviving (and still growing even), but the side that’s right against the bubble coral has completely died off.

And this finger leather is in contact now too and the bubble doesn’t like it... you can see a sweeper tentacle in the picture, but the leather seems to be surviving. It’s skin looks a bit scarred where it’s constantly touching the bubble, but it’s also still surviving and growing.

So now I’m wondering just how big this bubble is going to get. I’ve never fragged an LPS coral before... and from what I’ve seen online the process looks difficult and scary, but I’m wondering if I might need to try it.

 

[JumboShrimp]

(Beautiful tank!) Might your LFS take it in trade for a smaller one? Congrats on having one stay so healthy; sorry that I personally don’t know the answer to your question...

 

[User1]

Back in early 2016 I added a cute little bubble coral to my 220G tank...

More than three years later he has grown into a monster...

He’s a good foot in diameter when fully opened and he’s definitely starting to get a bit close to some of his neighbors.

This pavona is pretty much in constant contact with the bubble now and it’s surviving (and still growing even), but the side that’s right against the bubble coral has completely died off.

And this finger leather is in contact now too and the bubble doesn’t like it... you can see a sweeper tentacle in the picture, but the leather seems to be surviving. It’s skin looks a bit scarred where it’s constantly touching the bubble, but it’s also still surviving and growing.

So now I’m wondering just how big this bubble is going to get. I’ve never fragged an LPS coral before... and from what I’ve seen online the process looks difficult and scary, but I’m wondering if I might need to try it.

I do not have an answer. However, I did want to say you are doing a great job obviously and your tank looks amazing. So slight / light punch on the shoulder while saying hellofa job!

 

[McFly]

Mine is getting close to volleyball size (3 years). Yours looks like its close to basket ball size. I don't think they stop growing....

Cheers!

 

[User1]

Mine is getting close to volleyball size (3 years). Yours looks like its close to basket ball size. I don't think they stop growing....

Cheers!

McFly! Gee - I really wanted to say that!

Seriously - nice tank @McFly

 

[reef lover]

When it retracts does it have seperate lobes / heads or is it all one ?
If seperated you can frag it.

 

[Rjramos]

They get big and live long! I would say bubbles are probably some of the toughest corals in the hobby. They also pack a great defense in their ability to sting. The 1st picture above is of a regular bubble, the second is a pearl bubble. I’ve had the pearl since 1995 and the bubble since 1996. So going on 25 years! They grow fast. The pearl I have been able to frag huge pieces off throughout the years. It possesses smaller mouths and the walled formations split up more often than the regular bubble. The regular bubble has grown vase like throughout the years, but has not offered many splits and probably only has 2-3 large mouths. I’ve cut the bottom but never split the crown. I’ve had to move corals away from these 2 stingers.

 

[Dsnakes]

Bubble corals are like most in that they don’t really stop growing (given the circumstances) While diving in Guam we would often see them, some being well over 5’ across ;Woot

 

[eggplantparrot]

Bubble corals are like most in that they don’t really stop growing (given the circumstances) While diving in Guam we would often see them, some being well over 5’ across ;Woot

holy crapperoni the ocean has amazing life doesn't it? I dream of diving all the reefs of the world now lol.

 

[Softhammer]

I have seen them while diving as big a a living room. Give any coral time and it will grow indefinitely.

 

[BestMomEver]

They get big and live long! I would say bubbles are probably some of the toughest corals in the hobby. They also pack a great defense in their ability to sting. The 1st picture above is of a regular bubble, the second is a pearl bubble. I’ve had the pearl since 1995 and the bubble since 1996. So going on 25 years! They grow fast. The pearl I have been able to frag huge pieces off throughout the years. It possesses smaller mouths and the walled formations split up more often than the regular bubble. The regular bubble has grown vase like throughout the years, but has not offered many splits and probably only has 2-3 large mouths. I’ve cut the bottom but never split the crown. I’ve had to move corals away from these 2 stingers.

Holy mess! It’s huge!

 

[Jon Fishman]

Holy mess! It’s huge!

Yeah, I never cared for bubble coral until recently when I saw a walling (word?!?) one like his second photo at a local shop..... thing is massive, on a really cool shaped rock that has ledges to it, and it looks amazing.

EDIT: If anyone is in Ohio and just has to get rid of a giant chunk.... I'll make room!

 

[rogersb]

Bubble corals are under rated. They have great color, look awesome, and add such a unique looking piece to the tank. Nice bubbles everyone!

 

[Brett S]

They get big and live long! I would say bubbles are probably some of the toughest corals in the hobby. They also pack a great defense in their ability to sting. The 1st picture above is of a regular bubble, the second is a pearl bubble. I’ve had the pearl since 1995 and the bubble since 1996. So going on 25 years! They grow fast. The pearl I have been able to frag huge pieces off throughout the years. It possesses smaller mouths and the walled formations split up more often than the regular bubble. The regular bubble has grown vase like throughout the years, but has not offered many splits and probably only has 2-3 large mouths. I’ve cut the bottom but never split the crown. I’ve had to move corals away from these 2 stingers.

My goodness... mine is just tiny compared to that one.

 

[Brett S]

When it retracts does it have seperate lobes / heads or is it all one ?
If seperated you can frag it.

Honestly it doesn’t really ever retract much... it puts out it’s bubbles during the day and it’s feeder tentacles at night and it’s always pretty big. Looking at it as the current blows it around I don’t think there are separate lobes, but I’ll try to look more closely and see.

 

[reef lover]

Mine is huge as well...but if i make it mad and it retracts i can see 3 separate heads with no connecting flesh...if i needed i could cut it there and have 3.