Common Name: Christmas Tree Coral, Medusa Coral

Species Name: Studeriotes longiramosa

Common Name(s): Christmas Tree Coral, Medusa Coral, Snake Locks Coral

Range: Tropical Western Pacific Ocean

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow to mid-depth areas and generally found in locations having soft sand or rubble bottoms.

Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 76 to 83°F (24 – 28°C). One of the most interesting leather-like corals, however, not a photosynthetic animal. Therefore it requires feedings of meaty type foods, e.g., rotifers, newly hatch brine shrimp or a zooplankton product such as provided by Liquid Life or Reed Mariculture. Should be placed near or at the bottom of the aquarium, preferably into a somewhat deep substrate where its tube-like body may root itself if happy with its surroundings. Will retract its upper feeding tentacles into its lower body during the night, and expand upwards during the day. Requires moderate water movement. Not recommended for beginners.

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