Xenia

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Xenia corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Red Sea, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in shallow lagoons, tidal pools, and reef slopes, often attaching to rocky surfaces where there is moderate lighting and gentle to moderate water flow.

Why Choose Xenia for Your Reef Tank?

• Beautiful, Pulsing Motion – Creates mesmerizing movement in the tank.
• Fast-Growing & Hardy – Perfect for beginners.
• Easy to Propagate – Spreads quickly and is simple to frag.
• Natural Water Filter – Helps remove excess nutrients from the water.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions ensures the best health and pulsing action for Xenia:

Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability and prevent excessive nutrient buildup.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers upper to mid-level areas of the tank with room to spread.
• Substrate Considerations: Attaches to live rock, glass, or even tank equipment.

Lighting Requirements

Xenia corals thrive under moderate to high lighting, which helps sustain their pulsing motion.

• PAR Range: 100-200 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with blue-spectrum emphasis.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper polyp extension and pulsing motion.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can stop pulsing behavior and cause stress.
• Gentle, randomized flow patterns mimic natural reef conditions.

Feeding and Nutrition

Xenia primarily relies on photosynthesis, but occasional supplemental feeding may encourage growth.

• Preferred Foods: Phytoplankton, amino acids, and dissolved organic matter.
• Feeding Frequency: 1-2 times per week (optional).
• Best Feeding Method: Broadcast feeding ensures even nutrient distribution.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other corals—Xenia grows extremely fast and can overtake slower-growing species.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at polyps.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Extremely fast growth rate, spreading rapidly over rock surfaces.
• Fragging Method: Use sharp scissors or a scalpel to cut a section of polyps, then attach them to a new rock or frag plug using rubber bands, glue, or mesh netting.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Melting or Dissolving Xenia – Often caused by unstable water parameters or sudden changes in alkalinity.
• Failure to Pulse – Can result from low oxygen levels, poor water flow, or excessive nutrients.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually introduce the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as Xenia is delicate and can become detached easily.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Manually trim back colonies to prevent overgrowth and invasion of other corals.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Xenia stops pulsing – Check for low oxygen levels, excessive water flow, or high nutrient levels.
• Shrunken or retracted polyps – May indicate poor water quality or lack of nutrients.
• Melting or detachment – Ensure stable alkalinity and nutrient levels.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Overgrowth – Trim colonies as needed to prevent Xenia from spreading uncontrollably.
• Failure to Attach – Secure frags with glue, rubber bands, or a frag rack until they establish.
• Slow Pulsing – Check oxygen levels and water movement, as Xenia requires gentle but steady circulation.