Pulsing xenia
Xenia elongata
Xenia elongata forms upright colonies with elongated polyps reaching 2–3 cm in height. Each polyp has eight feathery tentacles (pinnules) arranged in a crown, colored from white to light brown, often with violet or pink hues. The characteristic pulsing motion results from rhythmic contraction and expansion of the polyps, likely aiding gas exchange and nutrient uptake. Colonies can spread rapidly across surrounding rockwork. No obvious sexual dimorphism, but asexual reproduction by budding is common.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–27 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| Salinity | 1.023–1.025 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 10 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.1 |
Care
Care notes
A minimum 80-liter tank is recommended for Xenia elongata. Stable water parameters are essential: temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025, nitrates <10 ppm, phosphates <0.1 ppm. Moderate to intense lighting and low to moderate flow are required. It relies primarily on photosynthesis via its zooxanthellae but benefits from supplemental phytoplankton or liquid coral food. Caution: this species can become invasive and overgrow other corals if not controlled.