Pulsing Xenia (Heteroxenia fuscescens)

Pulsing Xenia is a fast-growing soft coral known for the continuous pulsing movement of its polyps. The pale pinkish or purplish-grey polyps form soft, branching growths.

Characteristics

• Polyps open and close rhythmically
• Grows and spreads rapidly in good conditions
• Spreads along the substrate and can also spread in the aquarium by detaching pieces that then attach to a new location
• Easy to care for and suitable for beginners
• Growth should be monitored and limited if necessary

Care Instructions

• Lighting: Moderate
• Flow: Gentle–moderate
• Temperature: 24–26 °C
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026
• Feeding: Obtains most of its energy through photosynthesis and does not require regular target feeding.
• Placement: Preferably on its own rock or in an area where the spread of the growth can be controlled. However, isolation does not completely prevent spreading, as pieces detaching from the coral can drift elsewhere in the aquarium.

Additional Information

• Scientific name: Heteroxenia fuscescens
• Coral type: Soft coral
• Difficulty level: Easy