Pipe Organ Coral

Names & Synonyms

• CommonPipe Organ Coral
• Commonツツウミヅタ
• SynonymTubipora musica f. sulcata
• SynonymTubipora purpurea

Overview

Organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica) is a unique octocoral that builds a bright red calcium carbonate skeleton of parallel tubes resembling a pipe organ—unusual among soft corals. Native to shallow reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, living colonies appear green, blue, or purple as the skeletal tubes are concealed by expanded polyps bearing eight feathery tentacles. Colonies grow in dome shapes up to 3 m across. In aquaria, moderate lighting (150–250 PAR) and gentle to moderate flow are optimal; turbulent currents cause polyp retraction. Its striking appearance has driven heavy collection pressure for both aquaria and the souvenir trade, highlighting the importance of sustainable sourcing.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Moderate
• Flow—Low to moderate
• Water Quality—Requires stable water parameters
• Calcium—Ca supplementation recommended for skeleton growth
• Notes—Sensitive to water changes — acclimate carefully

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:

Appendix II

Notes:

クダサンゴ科(Tubipora musica, Tubiporidae)=八放サンゴだが CITES 掲載科 → 附属書II。

Sources

• AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS/soft care(careSpec)
• AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
• DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Tubiporidae spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
• Wikipedia(detail)

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.

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External Databases

• WoRMS
• GBIF