Pulsing Xenia
Xenia sp.
A mesmerising coral whose polyps pulse open and shut; grows fast and can take over.
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Min. Tank Size | 40 L |
| Temperature | 24.0–27.0 °C |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Max Size | 20.0 cm |
| Lifespan | Long years |
| Diet | Photosynthetic |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive (spreading) |
Overview
The Pulsing Xenia (Xenia sp.) is a mesmerising coral whose polyps pulse open and shut; grows fast and can take over. It is a soft coral rated beginner to keep.
This guide covers how to keep Pulsing Xenia thriving in a reef aquarium: lighting, water flow, placement, water chemistry, feeding, how it behaves towards neighbouring corals, and how to propagate (frag) it.
Care Level & Difficulty
Soft corals like this are the most forgiving corals and a perfect place to start reef-keeping, tolerating a wider range of light, flow and water quality.
Lighting
Provide medium light for this coral. Soft corals are happy under modest reef lighting. Acclimate any new coral to your lights slowly over a couple of weeks to avoid shock and bleaching.
Water Flow
Aim for medium flow. The water should keep waste and detritus from settling on the coral without blasting its tissue. Soft corals sway nicely in moderate flow.
Placement in the Reef
Place the Pulsing Xenia in the mid area of the reef, matching its light and flow needs. It stings, so leave generous space (10 cm or more) between it and other corals - its sweeper tentacles can reach surprisingly far at night.
Feeding
Like all photosynthetic corals it gets most of its energy from light via the algae in its tissue. It generally needs no direct feeding beyond good light and stable water, though it benefits from the nutrients fish waste provides.
Aggression & Neighbours
This coral spreads quickly and can overgrow rock and slower corals, so contain it or give it its own island.
How to Propagate (Frag)
It is easy to frag: cut or snip a healthy piece and glue it to a frag plug or rock, and it soon grows into a new colony. Use coral glue or putty, work cleanly, and let cuts heal in stable water. Fragging is also how reefers trade and share corals.
Common Problems
Watch for tissue recession, bleaching (from too much light or unstable water) and pests; soft corals may also 'close up' for a few days while shedding a waxy film, which is normal.
The golden rule for corals is stability - small, steady changes and consistent Alk, Ca and Mg keep them healthy.
Is the Pulsing Xenia Right for Your Reef?
The Pulsing Xenia suits beginner reef keepers and nano tanks. Provide medium light, medium flow and rock-solid water chemistry and it will reward you for years. Browse our marine fish and reef guides to build a balanced reef.
