Pulsing Xenia – Description & Care Guide
Common Names: Pulsing Xenia, Waving Hand Coral, Pulse Coral
Scientific Name: Xenia elongata (and other Xenia spp.)
Type: Soft Coral
Growth Form: Tree-like stalks with feathered, pulsing polyps
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea, Fiji, Tonga)
🌟 Description
Pulsing Xenia is a unique soft coral prized for its hypnotic pulsing motion, where its polyps open and close rhythmically on their own—a rare trait among corals. The coral grows in upright stalks that branch out, each tipped with delicate feathery polyps.
Colors range from light pink, tan, beige, or silver. Its gentle pulsing motion adds movement and intrigue to any reef tank.
🧪 Water Parameters
| Parameter |
Ideal Range |
| Temperature |
74–80°F (23–27°C) |
| Salinity |
1.024–1.026 |
| pH |
8.1–8.4 |
| Alkalinity |
8–12 dKH |
| Calcium |
400–450 ppm |
| Magnesium |
1250–1350 ppm |
| Nitrates |
5–15 ppm |
| Phosphates |
0.05–0.1 ppm |
⚠️ Xenia often does better in tanks with slightly “dirtier” water compared to SPS corals—it may struggle in ultra-low-nutrient systems.
💡 Lighting & Flow
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Lighting: Moderate to high. Grows well under LED, T5, or metal halide lighting.
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Flow: Low to moderate. Too much flow can inhibit pulsing, but stagnant water is also unhealthy. Aim for gentle, random flow.
🍽️ Feeding
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Photosynthetic, relying on zooxanthellae for nutrition.
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No direct feeding required, though it may benefit from dissolved organics and occasional dosing of trace elements or amino acids.
🧼 Care & Placement Tips
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Placement: Place on an isolated rock away from main rockwork. Grows quickly and can spread aggressively.
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Fragging: Very easy—can be cut with scissors and glued or tied down.
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Shedding: May occasionally close up or shed a thin layer—usually normal and temporary.
⚠️ Common Concerns
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Overgrowth: Can quickly take over tanks if not isolated.
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Non-pulsing: May stop pulsing due to high flow, low nutrients, or stress. Often resumes when conditions stabilize.
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Melting/Recession: Can deteriorate in unstable tanks or ultra-clean systems.
✅ Summary
Pulsing Xenia is a beginner-friendly, fast-growing soft coral known for its mesmerizing, natural pulsing motion. It's easy to keep but should be carefully placed to avoid overgrowth. Best suited for tanks with stable yet nutrient-rich conditions.
