💫 Xenia Soft Coral – The Coral That Dances to Its Own Beat!

What is a Xenia Soft Coral?

Xenia is one of the most unique and mesmerizing soft corals in the reef world—famous for its rhythmic, pulsing polyps that look like tiny hands waving hello. It’s one of the few corals that moves on its own, making it a favorite for reef keepers of all levels.

The CA Blue Xenia variety, in particular, features a stunning icy-blue hue and compact growth pattern that adds shimmer and flow to any reef tank. Whether you're looking for motion, color, or just something fun to watch, Xenia brings reef magic to life.

🔎 Keyword focus: xenia coral, soft coral for reef tank, pulsing xenia, beginner soft coral, CA blue xenia coral

How to Care for Xenia Coral

Xenia is beginner-friendly, but it thrives best in stable conditions. It prefers:

✅ Temperature: 76–80°F

✅ Salinity: 1.024–1.026

✅ pH: 8.1–8.4

✅ Lighting: Moderate to high

✅ Flow: Low to moderate (too much flow may slow the pulse)

They do best in nutrient-rich systems and can struggle in ultra-low-nutrient tanks. They're often seen pulsing more actively in tanks with balanced nutrients and trace elements.

Where to Place Xenia Coral

Place Xenia on rocks, islands, or isolated sections where you want a splash of motion. It spreads quickly, so plan ahead and keep it separate from slow-growing corals if needed.

🌿 Tip: Xenia grows fast—give it space or place it where you’re okay with it spreading.

Do You Need to Feed Xenia?

Nope! Xenia is fully photosynthetic and doesn’t require direct feeding. It gets everything it needs from your tank’s lighting and water column nutrients.

✔️ Bonus: It’s one of the few corals that can thrive in tanks with slightly elevated nitrates or phosphates.

Compatibility

Xenia is peaceful and reef-safe. It plays well with soft corals, LPS corals, and most reef-safe fish and invertebrates.

✅ Perfect for nano tanks, mixed reefs, and motion-focused displays
❌ Not aggressive—but watch for spreading into neighbors’ space

Signs of Stress in Xenia Coral

Keep an eye out for:

❌ No pulsing or droopy stalks – could be too much flow or unstable nutrients

❌ Melting or shrinking – possible major water parameter swings or starvation in ULNS

❌ Discoloration or closed polyps – may indicate lighting imbalance or chemical stress

A small change in placement or flow usually perks them right up!

🌊 Why Choose Xenia Coral?
Xenia soft corals bring energy, elegance, and a touch of reef magic to any tank. Their pulsing motion is hypnotic to watch and adds natural movement where most corals stay still. From CA Blue Xenia to pink and silver strains, Xenia is an unforgettable addition for reefers who want low-fuss coral with high visual payoff.

✅ Great for beginners
✅ Amazing movement
✅ Fast-growing and photosynthetic
✅ Safe for most reef setups