Corky sea finger
Briareum asbestinum
Family : Briareidae
The corky sea finger is an encrusting gorgonian forming finger-like lobes. It is valued in aquariums for its hardiness and beige to brown coloration.
Description
Briareum asbestinum is a soft coral of the family Briareidae. It appears as thick finger-like lobes, often encrusting on rocks. Its surface is rough and dotted with small retractile polyps. It can reach 30 cm in diameter. This coral is photosynthetic via zooxanthellae, but also captures plankton. It produces chemical defense compounds that can inhibit the growth of nearby corals. Its growth is slow to moderate.
Habitat
Region :
Shallow coral reefs, rocky areas
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
Keep this coral in a mature marine aquarium with moderate to intense lighting. Moderate water flow is recommended to prevent debris accumulation. Ideal temperature is 22-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025. Calcium (400-450 ppm) and magnesium (1250-1350 ppm) levels must be stable. It tolerates slightly nutrient-rich water but prefers nitrates <10 ppm and phosphates <0.1 ppm. Supplemental feeding with phytoplankton or zooplankton is beneficial. Avoid placing it too close to other aggressive soft corals. It propagates easily by fragmentation.
Similar species
Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance
