The Anthelia Thick Stem Waving Hand Coral may also be referred to as a Glove Coral or Pom-Pom Coral. They are usually white, tan, or gray. The polyps are not retractable, but do have the distinctive eight-leaved tentacles associated with all of the members of this family. They are colonial animals, and form a creeping mat which has a snowflake, or tuft-like appearance. Some have thicker stems, and when several polyps are present on their leathery base, they resemble a cheerleader’s pom-pom.
Predatory fish, 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 are difficult to maintain in an aquarium. 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 also require the addition of iodine and other trace elements to the water.
Under ideal conditions, and once acclimated, they may reproduce in the established reef aquarium, forming a creeping mat, which will quickly grow over any adjacent rock work.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within their bodies provide the majority of their nutritional requirements through photosynthesis. Additional weekly feedings of micro-plankton or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates are also needed.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3″; Medium: 3″ to 5″
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