Welcome to our exploration of Pulsing Xenia, a mesmerizing soft coral that has captured the hearts of reef tank enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or just starting, Pulsing Xenia, also known as Pulse coral or Pom Pom coral, offers a unique and vibrant addition to your saltwater aquarium. Let's dive into the fascinating realm of Pulsing Xenia, covering its origin, behavior, care requirements, and more.

Quick Overview of Pulsing Xenia

• Name:

  Pulsing Xenia

• Common Names:

  Pulse coral, Pumping Xenia, Red Sea Xenia, Pom Pom coral

• Scientific Name:

  Xenia elongata

• Tank size (minimum):

  10 gallons (~40 liters)

• Keeping:

  Easy

• Propagation:

  Easy to moderate

• Lighting:

  Medium to high

• Water flow:

  Any (low flow for pulsation motion)

• Optimal Temperature:

  22 – 26°C (~72°F – 78°F)

• Optimal Salinity:

  SG = 1.023 – 1.025

• Optimal pH:

  8.1 – 8.4

• Optimal KH:

  8 – 12

• Nitrate:

  <0.5 ppm

• Feeding:

  Photosynthetic

• Tank placement:

  Low or mid-sections

• Growth Rate:

  Fast

• Toxicity:

  Yes

• Invasive:

  Yes (potentially)

• Temper:

  Peaceful

• Color Form:

  Pink, tan, grey, cream, and white

Origin and Habitat

Pulsing Xenia, scientifically named Xenia elongata, derives its name from the rhythmic pulsing motion of its polyps. Belonging to the family Xeniidae and genus Xenia, this hardy coral is a fast grower native to the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea.

Taxonomic Hierarchy:

• Kingdom:

  Animalia

• Phylum:

  Cnidaria

• Class:

  Anthozoa

• Order:

  Alcyonacea

• Family:

  Xeniidae

• Genus:

  Xenia

• Species:

  Xenia elongata

In the wild, Pulsing Xenia thrives in shallow waters with mild currents, attaching itself to rockwork. In captivity, it prefers areas with moderate lighting and water movement, reproducing swiftly under optimal conditions.

Description and Behavior

Pulsing Xenia is a colonial coral featuring multiple polyps with a size range from a few inches to over 20 inches (50 cm). Known for its fast growth, it exhibits sturdy stalks, each ending in a ring of large, feathery pinnate tentacles. The distinctive pulsing or pumping action is created by the rhythmic opening and closing of these tentacles.

Note: While the purpose of pulsation is not fully understood, it's believed to aid in respiration, enhance photosynthetic efficiency, and facilitate gas and waste disposal.

Renowned for its stunning beauty, Pulsing Xenia is available in various attractive color morphs, including pink, tan, grey, white, and cream.

Behavior Highlights:

• Peaceful:

  Yes

• Toxicity:

  No

• Invasive:

  Yes

Feeding and Tank Requirements

Pulsing Xenia primarily relies on photosynthesis facilitated by symbiotic algae in its tissue for nutrition. Additionally, it acts as a suspension feeder, trapping planktonic matter using its fleshy, feathery polyps.

Tank Requirements:

• Tank size:

  Minimum 10 gallons (~40 L)

• Temperature:

  72 – 78 °F (22 – 26 °C)

• pH:

  8.1 – 8.4

• Hardness:

  8 – 12 dKH

• Specific Gravity:

  1.023 – 1.025

Recommended Test Kit: [API REEF MASTER TEST KIT](link to check the price on Amazon)

Lighting and Water Flow:

• Lighting:

  Moderate to high (can adapt to low-moderate lighting)

• Water flow:

  Can thrive in any water flow, but low flow is recommended for optimal pulsation.

Placement in the Tank:

Position Pulsing Xenia on separate island rocks with sand between them, avoiding the main rock with other corals to prevent overgrowth. Ideal for low or mid-sections of the reef aquarium, where it can receive bright lighting and gentle water flow.

Care and Maintenance Tips

While a peaceful and hardy soft coral, Pulsing Xenia's rapid growth requires careful attention to prevent overpopulation. Here are some essential care tips:

1. Monitoring Growth:

   Regularly monitor growth and prune as needed to prevent overgrowth.

2. Avoiding Overcrowding:

   Keep Pulsing Xenia away from other rapidly growing soft corals to avoid dominance.

3. Trimming Challenges:

   Trimming can be challenging due to its soft texture. Use tweezers or similar tools with caution.

4. Odor Control:

   Properly dispose of trimmed pieces to avoid unpleasant smells.

Common Problems and Solutions:

1. Overgrowth:

   Controlling spread can be challenging; consider gifting or selling excess coral.

2. Poor Growth:

   Address nutrient deficiencies, maintain appropriate pH, and ensure tank compatibility.

3. Odor Issues:

   Dispose of trimmed pieces properly to avoid unpleasant smells.

4. Pulsation Concerns:

   Ensure appropriate water flow and parameters for optimal pulsation.

Fragging and Propagation

Pulsing Xenia reproduces through sexual and asexual means, including manual fragging. Propagation methods include:

• Sexual Reproduction:

  Release and fertilization of gametes, leading to planula larvae development.

• Asexual Reproduction:

  Buds off smaller polyps to form new colonies.

• Manual Fragging:

  Splitting a healthy mature colony with a sharp blade or scalpel.

*Items Needed for Fragging: Coral Fragging Kit tools, a hammer and chisel, scissors, cyanoacrylate glue, containers, a scalpel/razor blade, plug