Specific coral name?

[Reef Doctor]

I have a new aquarium about 6 mo old. Ready to add my first coral frag. I had heard there is a specific coral that opens when water parameters are good and closes when they are bad. Could anyone give me the name of it? I can't find it anywhere.

 

[BCreefmaker]

There are many corals that do that to one extent or another. I do not think there is one coral that is a better tank barometer. Some are just more sensitive to different things. But IME corals that swell up from day to night or extend polyps are a good choice. If you notice say a brain coral, or colt coral, leather coral is not expanding when it normally does every day can be an indication of a problem. But it is far from the proper way of looking after water parameters in your tank. Daily testing is the only real way to know for sure.

 

[joemelo]

are you talking about xenia? some people use xenia as a "canary in the mine"

 

[BCreefmaker]

Yes, xenia has an extreme daily expansion and contraction. But xenia, although a beginner coral is hit or miss for everyone. I have never been able to keep it alive, but clams and SPS are no problems.

 

[SushiGirl]

Leathers aren't the best indicator either. The first time it doesn't extend polyps and sheds, lots of people freak out.

When you're new, it's best to test. If something starts looking bad, regardless of what it is, test. You'll eventually learn the indicators in your own tank.

As said, xenia is hit or miss. Some people can't keep it at all, some people it takes over the entire tank. I've had xenia not look any different at all when my pH was too low & the zoas were ticked off.

 

[Reef Doctor]

I think it was xenia. I do all testing of water parameters. Does anyone have any other recommendations for good starter corals?

 

[BCreefmaker]

Xenia, Green star polyps, anthelia, yellow polyps, clove polyps, mushrooms all look nice and are easy to care for, but can become plagues for some people when they grow too fast and take over half the tank.
Most leather corals are easy, and are not likely to ever take over a tank.
Lps like frogspawn, candy cane, brains, lobophilia, plate coral, and hammer coral are also very easy and do not take over. Some lps like galaxy corals and torch corals are known to be stingers so watch out.

Zoas are my favorite, but they can also be quite finicky IME.

 

[rovster]

I've heard frogspawn are good tank barometers. I don't have one, but its just what I've heard.