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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Clavulariidae (Octocorals)
Habitat: Found in the recesses of reef areas and on reef slopes.
Light: High Water Flow: High Space: 25+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Caution
Diet: The octocorals are generally polytrophic - getting nutrition from zooxanthellae (algae) in their tissues, nutrient uptake from the seawater, and feeding on microplankton.
Natural History: Clavularia forms colonies of short polyps with feathery tentacles. Their mats and clumps are connected by stolons. Polyps can be varied colors. The Clavularia are not easily damaged by other corals nor do they attack other corals. Their chemical defenses prevent animals from grazing on them.
Husbandry: Clavularia colonies hardy and prefer moderate to bright light and fairly strong water movement. Accumulating algae should be blown off with a syringe to prevent colony decline. Clavularia likely absorbs most nutrients directly from the water because of its rudimentary nematocysts. Clavularia is aggressive in its ability to grow over other corals, reaching colony sizes well in excess of 12 inches across.
AKA: Clove Polyps, Glove Polyps, Fern Polyps, Palm Tree Polyps