Plexaura flexuosa

Lamouroux, 1821

Bent Sea Rod

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Florida, Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Natural Environment: Inhabit clear water reef patches where it forms branchy colonies up to 20 inches (40 cm) in height and is seen to depths of about 100 feet (30 m).

General Husbandry: Occasionally shows up in the trade and requires strong light, good water quality, moderate water movement and zooplankton feedings several times per week.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Anlcyonacea

Suborder: Holaxonia

Family: Plexauridae

Genus: Plexaura

FYI:

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: 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: Moderate

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: 72 - 82°F (22 - 27°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 400+

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.