Pulsing Xenia

Names & Synonyms

• CommonPulsing Xenia
• Commonキサンゴ（パルスコーラル）
• SynonymActinantha
• SynonymLoridella
• SynonymWardella
• SynonymXaenia

Overview

Xenia (genus Xenia, family Xeniidae) is a soft coral celebrated for the rhythmic pulsing motion of its flower-like polyps, which open and close continuously to enhance photosynthetic efficiency—enabling the coral to generate its own water circulation even in calm conditions. Widely distributed on reef slopes of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Pacific, xenia thrives under moderate lighting (150–250 PAR) with gentle to moderate flow. It prefers low-nutrient, clean water; high nitrates suppress its pulsing and growth. Its exceptional reproductive rate demands regular pruning to prevent tank domination, but this very quality makes it a popular and engaging beginner coral.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Moderate
• Flow—Low to moderate
• Water Quality—Sometimes thrives better in slightly nutrient-rich water
• Propagation—Very fast — can overtake rockwork
• Notes—Controlling spread is the main challenge

Regulatory & Conservation

Notes:

八放サンゴ(Xenia, Xeniidae=パルスコーラル)。和名キサンゴは俗称、学名は八放サンゴ ソフトコーラル=CITES 非掲載。

Sources

• AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS/soft care(careSpec)
• AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
• DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals(掲載科に Xeniidae 含まず)(regulatory)

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.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.Cladiella (Colt Coral)クレナクティス（クラディエラ）softBeginnerSoft coral with soft finger-like branches. Also called Colt Coral. Very hardy and fast-growing. White and cream common. Safe choice for beginners.

Related care articles

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Soft Coral Soft Rot Disease and Tissue Collapse | Slime Secretion Abnormalities, Infection Treatment and Prevention

Soft Rot Disease in soft corals is a fatal disease in which the flexible skeletal portions rapidly decompose due to bacterial infection. The disease's onset involves multiple environmental factors, with rapid water temperature fluctuations (±3°C or greater), nutrient excess, water quality deterioration, and physical stress to the specimen serving as primary triggering factors.

Soft Corals2026-08-23

Nutrient Management in Soft Coral Tanks | Balancing Nitrates and Phosphates with Zooxanthellae and Trace Elements

While soft corals are often said to require less rigorous nutrient management than SPS corals, extreme eutrophication or oligotrophy can lead to polyp retraction and color loss. Let's clarify how to think about balancing nitrates, phosphates, zooxanthellae, and trace elements.

Soft Corals2026-08-10

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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External Databases

• WoRMS