Dendronephthya rubeola

Henderson, 1909

Carnation Coral, Ledge Coral, Cauliflower Coral

Range: Tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean

Natural Environment: Found only on deep-water ledges and overhangs and/or in caves.

General Husbandry: Usually inflates, i.e., fills with water at night when it feeds on phytoplankton.

May have a deflated appearance during daytime, which is quite normal.

Only buy specimens attached to substrate, e.g., a piece of rock, and do not lay the animal on the sandbed surface, always place on a ledge where currents sweep past the animal and in dimly lit areas.

Large amounts of 'green water' supplied twice a day may sustain this animal, however, even experienced aquarists have great difficulty keeping this species.

Occasionally a small snail, Primovula bellocqae will be found feeding upon this type coral, and it should be removed.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Alcyonacea

Suborder: Alcyoniina

Family: Nephtheidae

Genus: Dendronephthya

FYI: Probably best left in the wild.

Experience Level: Expert

Diet: Non-photosynthetic/Plankton feeder

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe:Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Difficult

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 50+

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.