<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12994956#post12994956 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Simon68
The brown soft coral is a branch covered in star polyps (I think).
i think so, too.
here's something i found from the
http://www.cultureaquatica.com/index.php?f=317 site:
Family: Xeniidae
Species: Xenia sp.
Care Level: Easy
Colors: Tan, White
Origin: Aquacultured
The Pumping Xenia Corals are colonial animals that will reproduce into multiple individuals within the same area of the reef. They form stalks as they grow, and will bud off from the base of the stalk in order to reproduce. The eight-tentacled polyps can pump, or pulse, and 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.
The Bushy Pumping Xenia is close in appearance to the Red Sea Pumping Xenia, with the exception of having less "feathered" polyps. This is a beautiful species that will reproduce rapidly in the aquarium given the proper conditions.
Although Xenia sp. corals can be very difficult to acclimate, the cultured specimens that we are offering have been in captivity for many generations and are much hardier than wild-caught species. Predatory fish (e.g., Xenia-eating angelfish), crabs, snails, or the stings of other corals may damage the colony quite easily. 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 alternating water movement within the aquarium. Under the right conditions, these corals multiply very rapidly, and will need to be trimmed and propagated when they begin to crowd their neighbors. For continued good health, they will require the addition of iodine and other trace elements to the water.
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