Anthelia coral, also known as Waving Hand or Glove Coral, is a soft coral genus characterized by long, thin, and often purple or bluish polyps that wave gracefully in the current. These corals form a creeping mat, with their polyps extending from the base. They are known for their light appearance and constant movement, resembling an underwater field of seagrass.
Here's a more detailed description:
Appearance: Anthelia corals have a distinctive appearance with long, thin polyps that resemble gloves or waving hands. They often have a creeping mat base, with the polyps extending upwards.
Color: They can come in various colors, including pink, blue, brown, or tan.
Movement: The polyps of Anthelia corals wave in the water current, giving them their common name "Waving Hand Coral". They are not known for the pulsing behavior seen in Xenia corals, but rather a gentle swaying.
Growth: Anthelia corals are fast-growing and can quickly cover adjacent rock work.
Care: They are relatively easy to care for, requiring medium to high lighting and a medium to strong water flow.
Invasive: They can be a bit invasive and should be placed with plenty of space, as they may overgrow other corals.
Other names: They are also referred to as "Glove Coral," "Pom-Pom Coral," or "Anthelia Waving Hand Coral".
Nutrient requirements: While they rely on symbiotic zooxanthellae for photosynthesis, trace elements like iodine are beneficial.
Anthelia corals are a popular addition to reef aquariums, adding a visually appealing and dynamic element with their waving polyps and graceful movement
Pulsing Xenia (Heteroxenia fuscescens) is a soft coral known for its rhythmic, pulsing movement and feathery polyps. It has long, sturdy stalks adorned with feathery tentacles that pulse, opening and closing in a "pumping" fashion, adding movement to the reef tank. Pulsing Xenia is a fast grower and a popular choice for reef tanks, both for beginners and experienced hobbyists.
Here's a more detailed description:
Appearance:
Stalks:
Pulsing Xenia features long, sturdy stalks.
Polyps:
The stalks are topped with feathery polyps (tentacles) that pulse in a rhythmic, opening and closing motion.
Colors:
Pulsing Xenia can come in a variety of colors, including lavender, cream, pink, and purple.
Growth:
It's known for its rapid growth rate, which can quickly cover rock surfaces.
Movement:
Pulsing:
The most distinctive feature of Pulsing Xenia is its rhythmic pulsing movement of the polyps, which can reach up to 40 pulses per minute.
Water Movement:
The pulsing action helps to create water movement around the coral, aiding in nutrient exchange.
Other Notable Features:
Fast Growth:
Pulsing Xenia is a fast-growing coral, making it a good choice for beginners who are looking for a coral that will quickly fill up the tank.
Easy Care:
It's relatively easy to care for, thriving in a variety of reef tank conditions.
Photosynthesis:
Pulsing Xenia is a photosynthetic coral, meaning it can produce its own food through sunlight, but it also absorbs nutrients from the water.
Propogation:
It can be easily propagated in captivity
