Pulsing Xenia

Coral photographs may differ slightly from the actual coral you receive. Many of our coral images are taken under blue-spectrum aquarium lighting and may be enhanced with a blue light filter to better showcase fluorescence and coloration. As a result, colours and appearance can vary depending on your aquarium lighting, water conditions, and viewing angle.

We strive to represent each coral as accurately as possible, but natural variations in colour, pattern, size, and growth form should be expected.

XSmall~15mmx15mm +-

Small~25mmx25mm +-

Medium~35mmx35mm +-

Large~45mmx45mm +-

XLarge~55mmx55mm +-

XXLarge~90mmx80mm +-

Description

Pulsing Xenia is one of the most fascinating and unique soft corals available to reef aquarists. Famous for its rhythmic pulsing motion, this coral actively opens and closes its feathery polyps throughout the day, creating a mesmerizing display unlike any other coral in the aquarium. This constant movement adds life and energy to the reef, making Pulsing Xenia a favourite among both beginner and experienced hobbyists.

Its delicate stalks are topped with soft, flower-like polyps that range in colour from pale cream and silver to pink and light brown hues. Under reef lighting, colonies sway gently in the current while simultaneously performing their characteristic pulsing action, creating an eye-catching focal point within the aquarium.

Pulsing Xenia is often regarded as an indicator coral, frequently thriving in aquariums with stable nutrient levels and good overall water quality. When happy, it can grow rapidly and spread throughout the aquarium, forming beautiful waving colonies that add both movement and texture to the reefscape.

Key Features

• Unique self-pulsing polyps
• Constant movement and visual interest
• Fast-growing soft coral
• Excellent beginner coral
• Ideal for filling open areas of the reef
• Reef-safe and peaceful
• Creates a natural, flowing appearance

Care Guide

Difficulty

Easy

Lighting

Moderate lighting is generally preferred, although Pulsing Xenia can adapt to a range of lighting conditions.

Water Flow

Low to moderate flow. Excessively strong flow may reduce pulsing activity and prevent full polyp extension.

Placement

Best placed in the middle or lower regions of the aquarium where it can receive moderate light and gentle water movement.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–26°C
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
• Calcium: 380–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
• Nitrate: 2–15 ppm
• Phosphate: 0.03–0.10 ppm

Feeding

Pulsing Xenia obtains most of its nutrition through photosynthesis and generally does not require direct feeding. Occasional amino acid supplementation may encourage growth and extension.

Compatibility

Peaceful and reef-safe. It does not possess stinging tentacles and coexists well with most corals and reef inhabitants.

Growth Rate

Fast. Under favourable conditions, Pulsing Xenia can spread quickly across rockwork through stolons and natural colony expansion.

Special Considerations

Pulsing Xenia is known for growing rapidly and can become invasive if not managed. Many reef keepers place it on isolated rocks or dedicated islands to prevent it from spreading into unwanted areas of the aquarium.

Interestingly, the characteristic pulsing motion is thought to help the coral exchange gases and nutrients more efficiently, although the exact reason for this behaviour is still debated. The pulsing action may vary depending on water chemistry, lighting, and overall coral health.

Pulsing Xenia is a fantastic addition to reef aquariums for hobbyists looking to add unique movement, texture, and a dynamic living display that few other corals can match.