Xenia coral, often recognized as Pulsing Xenia, is a captivating soft coral cherished in the marine aquarium hobby. Its popularity stems from a distinctive, rhythmic motion where its feathery polyps gracefully open and close. This mesmerizing pumping action adds dynamic movement to a reef tank, creating a unique visual appeal. The pulsation distinguishes Xenia from many other coral species.
Aquarium Care Requirements
Pulsing Xenia adapts well to a range of aquarium conditions. It generally thrives under low to moderate lighting, with a recommended PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) range of approximately 50 to 250. This light spectrum supports the symbiotic zooxanthellae algae within the coral’s tissues, which produce energy through photosynthesis. When introducing Xenia to new lighting, a gradual acclimation period is beneficial to prevent stress.
Maintaining moderate, indirect water flow is beneficial for Xenia coral. This flow helps deliver dissolved nutrients to the polyps and aids in waste removal. Strong, direct currents can inhibit the coral’s characteristic pulsing motion, while insufficient flow may lead to detritus accumulation.
Stability in water parameters is generally more important than achieving exact numbers for Xenia. Water temperature should consistently remain between 75-80°F (24-27°C). Salinity levels are best kept stable within a specific gravity range of 1.023-1.026. The pH should ideally be maintained between 8.1 and 8.4.
For alkalinity, a range of 8-12 dKH is suitable, and calcium levels around 380-450 ppm support overall coral health. Magnesium levels between 1250-1450 ppm are also beneficial. Xenia can tolerate, and some sources suggest even prefer, slightly elevated nutrient levels, such as nitrates between 5-25 ppm and phosphates between 0.01-0.1 ppm, as they can absorb dissolved organic compounds directly from the water column.
Growth Rate and Management
Pulsing Xenia is well-known for its rapid growth rate, quickly expanding its footprint within an aquarium. It can spread prolifically, sometimes considered “weedy” due to its ability to colonize available surfaces. This coral naturally propagates by extending stalks that detach and “walk” to new areas, or by releasing small fragments that can settle and grow into new colonies. Even tiny detached pieces can develop into new growths elsewhere in the tank.
Managing Xenia’s rapid spread is an important consideration for reef keepers. A common and effective strategy involves placing the initial Xenia colony on an isolated rock or “island” within the aquarium. This physical separation helps to limit its ability to grow onto the main rockwork or spread to other, slower-growing corals. Regular pruning of excess growth is also an effective method to maintain its size and prevent it from overshadowing neighboring corals.
Ideal Placement and Propagation
Considering its growth habits and environmental needs, Xenia coral is typically best placed in the middle to upper regions of the aquarium. This positioning ensures it receives adequate moderate lighting and water flow. It is advisable to keep Xenia at a distance from more delicate or slower-growing coral species, as its fast growth can easily lead to it overgrowing and potentially smothering them. Providing ample space around the colony allows its polyps to pulse freely.
Propagating Pulsing Xenia, often called fragging, is a straightforward process. Use sharp scissors or a clean blade to snip a stalk from the main colony near its base. Once separated, attach the frag to a new frag plug or small piece of live rock.
This is commonly done by loosely securing it with a rubber band, placing it in a small container of rubble in a low-flow area until it adheres, or carefully using super glue gel. Avoid getting glue on the coral’s fleshy tissue, which can cause it to slime and detach.