[s1214215]

Hi Reeflanders

What coral is that next to the gorgonian? Its a little too pink in one of the photos. The shot of it showing it as a reddish pink with the gorgonian an orange red is more accurate. I looks a bit like an acropora with its branching nature I think, but is soft - about the same as a leather and doesnt seem to shrink up much, but then, I have only had is a couple of days and its just shead. It hasnt expanded much yet. Any ideas? I have yet to place it in the tank properly and want to know what is requirements are.

[zhenya]

I think this is what's been commonly called as "chili coral" or something like that.

Most likely a Dendronephtya sp., requiring very strong and constant currents.Eric Birneman goes on to say in his book "Aquarium Corals" that they are almost unknown in flow rates less than 5 cm/sec.( 2in/sec.) and probably tolerate much higher flow rates than other corals.

Captive care: "Dendronephtya are entirely aposymbiotic. In nature, they are voracious feeders, derectly absorbing many nutrients, and almost constantly feeding on phytoplankton and/or zooplankton." E.Borneman.

He also states that it's vertually impossible to keep this corals alive for any length of time.

[s1214215]

Thanks Zhenya

Spot on.. It is a Nepthyigorgia. I have moved it to a lower spot on the tank that gets less light and its doing much better.. The polyps are out and feeding on the naturally occuring planktonic stuff.. I also suppliment with bottled stuff.. I have a 6 month old refugium that is full of fauna.. So I hope this coral will live...

Bob Fenners site says that these are the hardier of the non-photosynthetic corals (Anthony Calfo said that apparently) so it kinda contradicts your source, but hey thats pretty normal in any feild of research right LOL.. so heres hoping and I will keep you posted of my success or failure. I hope it does live as its so vibrant. I have very stong flow in my tank as I find a lot of my corals (sun coral etc) love it and dont come out unless they get strong flow...

Many thanks

[kevinpo]

I believe most researchers place this coral in the Alcyonium Genus. I was unable to find the species name. It has similar care requirements as your sun coral (Tubastraea). I have known several people that have done well with this coral if they keep it well fed, as it is non-photosynthetic coral.

Regards,
Kevin

[s1214215]

Originally Posted by kevinpo

I believe most researchers place this coral in the Alcyonium Genus. I was unable to find the species name. It has similar care requirements as your sun coral (Tubastraea). I have known several people that have done well with this coral if they keep it well fed, as it is non-photosynthetic coral.

Regards,
Kevin

thanks Kevin

As a rule I keep my tank reasonably well fed with bottled phyto and microvert plankton... Not sure how good it is, but I can see the corals consuming it.. I also have a algae fuge/ 8 inch DSB that has lots of pods.. I feed my fish with a mix of oysters, prawns, crab, ocean fish, brine shrimp (nauplii and mature), and a multip-vit capsule. Its a mix of puree and chopped. They get this a few times a week and I can see corals taking it in.. So far I have had the sun coral about 6 months and it looks great.

I hope this coral is as successful. I live in Thailand and we cant get any hard corals here. I would like to keep some SPS but you cant get them here due to the insane government restrictions that only serve to protect corrupt politicians/bureaucrats (there really isnt any other kind here) involved either directly or indirectly in the trade in legal/illegal marine life. The major outlet for legal/illegal marine life is a major weekend market owned and protected from restrictions by the miltary. Oops sorry for the rant. anyway... I saw this coral and due to its branching habit, took a risk.. so here goes.. Hope it thrives with the attention my corals currently get..