Pulsing Xenia Coral

Beginner Corals Soft Coral Xenia

Xenia sp.

Overview

Pulsing Xenia Coral is a fast-growing soft coral known for rhythmic polyp movement and flowing texture. It adapts well to established reef aquariums with low to moderate light and gentle, indirect flow. Place it on an isolated rock to control spreading, and maintain stable salinity and temperature for reliable extension.

Quick Facts

Care Easy

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Low–Moderate, indirect

Placement Low–Mid; isolated rock recommended

Temperament Semi-aggressive (fast-spreading; isolate from slower corals)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH

Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, dissolved nutrients, phytoplankton, microplankton, marine snow

Care & Placement

Place Pulsing Xenia on a separate rock in the lower to middle portion of the aquarium where it receives low to moderate light and gentle, variable flow. Avoid a direct jet that keeps the polyps pinned down. Xenia can spread rapidly across connected rockwork, so leave open sand around its island and prune it before it reaches slower-growing neighbors. Stable salinity, temperature, and nutrient levels are more important than chasing unusually low nutrients.