Polyps only come out at night

[reefhead]

they extend ALOT at night but, never during the day. could they be getting sufficient light and not be needing to extend so much?

this is from an Acropora species

thanks,
Joe

[SueT]

Joe, I have some of my acropora species that only extend their polyps at night. Eric Borneman says that polyp extension is not a good way to judge the overall health of an acropora. I think alot depends on the species as some are only nightime extenders. Then I have some that are out 24/7. I think if you give them good water quality, good current, good nutrition, good lighting then you will have a nice, healthy acropora whether the polyps are out day or night time. I think it may be that night time on the ocean reefs is the time wild colonies feed that may be why some do only extend at night. HTH..

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[newreefman1]

Sue has said it well. Ive watched my corals only extend at night...and some 24/7....all depends on the coral and placement I think.....

Dont ya worry =-)

j

[mrok12]

SueT has given a very good synopsis. I have also read that most corals, esp wild colonies usually extend at night to feed. These corals however will start to extend during the day in captivity but not always. If your coral looks healthy it is do not get disturbed if "the freaks only come out at night" .


MROK12