Capnella imbricata

(Quoy & Gaimard, 1833)

Kenya African Tree

Range: Tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal shore and reef slope rubble areas experiencing good clear and turbid water movement.

General Husbandry: Grows similar to Colt Coral, however, has a dry feel to its tissue, not the slimy feel associated with Colt Coral. Can reach heights of about 18 inches (45 cm).

Does not usually require hand feeding, as its nutrient requirements are met with nutrient absorption from surrounding waters and photosynthesis. However, occasionally feeding microplankton-like foods may somewhat enhance growth.

Because of its ability to produce certain offensive chemicals that may negatively affect other species of corals, the inclusion of activated carbon in the filtration system is highly recommended.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Alcyonacea

Suborder: Alcyoniina

Family: Nephtheidae

Genus: Capnella

FYI: May have been formally called Nephteidae arboreum or Lemnalia africana with its common name being 'African Tree.'

Easily propagated from cuttings.

Experience Level: Beginner

Diet: Photosynthetic/Absorption feeder/Plankton feeder

Temperament: Slightly aggressive

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe:With caution

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderate

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 68 - 83°F (20 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 350 - 450+

Water Movement: WM 2 - 3

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.