Chironephthya sp.

Limp Coral

Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean/Western Atlantic Ocean

Natural Environment: Inhabits deep-water ledges, slopes, and walls of caves.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade.

Place where currents sweep past the animal and in dimly lit areas.

Large amounts of 'green water' or baby brine shrimp supplied twice a day may sustain this animal, however, even experienced aquarists will have great difficulty keeping this species.

Is said to feed around the clock.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Alcyonacea

Suborder: Alcyoniina

Family: Nephtheidae

Genus: Dendronephthya

FYI: Probably best left in the wild.

Experience Level: Expert

Diet: Non-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: Difficult

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: 68 - 83°F (20 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 50+

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.