Cespitularia
Genus
A tree-like pulsing soft coral shimmering blue-to-silver. A Xenia relative; photosynthetic but sensitive to change.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonCespitularia
- Commonケスピチュラリア
- CommonBlue Pulsing Xenia
- Commonブルーパルスコーラル
Overview
Cespitularia is a tree-like soft coral related to Xenia, prized for its blue-to-silver metallic sheen. It is photosynthetic and needs little feeding, but it is sensitive to shifts in water quality and parameters and can melt suddenly if conditions do not suit it. Keep it under moderate-to-strong light and moderate flow with stable nutrients. It does not spread as aggressively as Xenia but extends branches when healthy.
Care Specifications
| Type | Soft coral |
|---|
Related corals of the same type
Antheliaアンセリア（ウェービングハンド）softBeginnerA soft coral whose feathery polyps sway in flow. Similar to Xenia but with larger, always-open polyps; very hardy.
Leather CoralウミキノコsoftBeginnerSoft coral with large mushroom-shaped cap. Hardy and fast-growing. Periodically sheds mucus to remove old tissue.
Sinularia (Finger Leather Coral)ウミキノコモドキsoftBeginnerFinger-shaped branching soft coral. Related to leather corals and equally hardy. Cream, green, brown color varieties. Similar to Toadstool but with branching form.
Toadstool CoralカタトサカsoftBeginnerBranching soft coral that is hardy with diverse color variations. Easy to frag and propagate.
Pulsing Xeniaキサンゴ（パルスコーラル）softBeginnerUnique soft coral with pulsing polyps that rhythmically open and close. Mesmerizing movement. Hardy and proliferates quickly.
Green Star PolypグリーンスターポリプsoftBeginnerA hardy soft coral with green star-shaped polyps on a mat. Beautiful fluorescent green.Related care articles
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Nutrient Management in Soft Coral Tanks | Balancing Nitrates and Phosphates with Zooxanthellae and Trace Elements
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The Mechanism of Soft Coral Pulsation (Pulse Movement) | Physiology and Environmental Factors
The characteristic pulsating movements of Xenia (also called pulse corals). This practical guide explains the physiological mechanisms, correlations with feeding, water flow, and nutrient levels, display tips, and the causes and solutions for when pulsation stops.
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