Pulsing Xenia
Xenia coral goes by different names such as Xenia pulsing coral, pompom coral and simply pulsing coral. Xenia pulsing coral is one of the most attractive corals and has become very popular among reef lovers.
Xenia pulsing coral is naturally found along the coast of the Great Barrier Reef and Indonesia. Most of the corals on the market today are grown in aquaculture, and there is a positive side to this, as such corals grow much faster.
The genus Xenia has about 60 species. Xenia coral can be found in shallow water, bright light, and tidal areas. They can be found in the Red Sea and in the Indo-Pacific region.
Purple is the most common color of these corals on the market and looks great in a reef aquarium. Some with a pinkish or bluish hue, and the rarest corals have a brownish-white coloration.
Corals are not difficult to keep. They become tense when touched and secrete a lot of mucus. Xenia can be kept in any size aquarium, from a tiny reef to a large show tank. Keep in mind that these corals are photosentient food, they do not feed like anemones and other corals and they need bright light. Xenia should be kept in shallow aquariums of 80 liters or more.
If the tank is too deep, it will affect the intensity of light hitting the coral, resulting in growth problems and it will become elongated toward the light source. Under acceptable conditions, Xenia can proliferate across the entire surface of the aquarium bottom in almost one year. It can also suppress the growth of other slow-growing coral species. If you don't have a lot of free time to take care of your aquarium, Xenia will be the best option.
The corals close at night and open in the morning hours and start pulsating.
Water parameters: temperature 24-28° C, pH acidity of about 8.3, salinity 1.023-1.025. Requires a monthly replacement of 1/5 of the aquarium water fresh, or 1/10 of it every two weeks. Ideal water parameters are crucial for the development of this coral. Also, create a small amount of water flow in the tank with an aquarium pump.
Since Xenia is a photosynthetic coral, it requires artificial light. The ideal light level for corals is moderate to high.
Because xenia corals do not need physical food, they require more nutrients dissolved in the water. This includes phosphates, nitrates, organic compounds and other substances that are commonly considered aquarium pollutants.
Xenia corals are a peaceful species. They do not sting, digest, release toxins or attack surrounding corals with their tentacles. However, slime from Xenia corals is not completely safe. Keep a distance of 10 - 15 cm between xenia corals and other corals in the tank. Keeping Xenia in a species tank will be best.
Reproduction
Propagating Xenia is very easy. Just place the coral near live rock or shells and it will bloom right on top of it. You can trim and divide the coral to plant it in other parts of the aquarium.
