"Pulse Corals" in the family Xeniidae are colonial animals with multiple individual polyps attached to a piece of solid substrate. They form stalks as they grow, and to reproduce. The eight-tentacled polyps can pump, or pulse. Many scientists believe the pumping action of the polyps slowly opening and closing is designed to dispose of gasses and waste. However, it is still unknown why these coral do pulse, and there are many water, lighting and nutrient factors involved. It is not necessarily a sign of ill health if they do cease to pulse.

It takes a careful eye to distinguish Heteroxenia from other Xenia species, with which they share most gross physical traits. They are easiest to identify upon maturity when colonies form distinctive small secondary polyps between larger polyps called siphonozooids. In the wild, Heteroxenia are found in calmer, back-reef niches and may occur in muddy or turbid waters.

Aquacultured Heteroxenia are hardier than wild-caught species and tend to reproduce quickly. Therefore, provide adequate space between them and sessile animals, especially other types of soft corals. They require a medium to high light level combined with a medium to strong water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, they will require the addition of iodine and other trace elements to the water.

They contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae from which they receive the majority of their nutritional requirements. Additional weekly feedings of micro-plankton or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates are also needed.

The Octopus Ink Heteroxenia is mounted on a small fired ceramic block that can be placed easily and securely in or between the rockwork in the reef aquarium.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"