Xenia coral, also known as Pom Pom coral, is a popular reef aquarium coral due to its mesmerizing pulsating motion. It is a soft coral species that belongs to the Xeniidae family. Like other corals, xenia coral is photosynthetic, which means it derives a significant portion of its energy from sunlight. However, they also have unique feeding behaviors that help them to thrive in their natural environment. This article will explore what xenia coral eat and how to provide them with adequate nutrition in a home aquarium.
What is Xenia Coral?
Before we dive into xenia coral’s diet, it is essential first to understand its anatomy and habitat. Xenia coral has a simple structure with long stems that are covered with tiny polyps. These polyps have eight tentacles with small branches that resemble a pom-pom. When the coral is healthy, the polyps move rhythmically, creating a hypnotic effect that is mesmerizing to watch. Xenia coral is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Australia, and the Philippines. They prefer shallow, lagoon-like waters and can grow up to four inches in height.
What do Xenia Coral Eat?
Xenia coral is a non-selective feeder, which means they can consume a wide range of food particles. In the wild, they primarily rely on photosynthesis to provide them with the energy they need to grow and reproduce. They have symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues, which helps them convert sunlight into food through the process of photosynthesis. Therefore, it is crucial to provide them with adequate lighting in your aquarium to ensure they receive enough nutrients.
However, xenia coral also have specialized feeding behaviors that allow them to capture small particles from the water column. They have small, sticky mucus strands around their polyps that trap floating debris, such as plankton, bacteria, and detritus. They also have small, hair-like tentacles called cilia that capture organic matter and help transport it to their mouth. Therefore, it is essential to provide a diverse range of food sources to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients.
Feeding Xenia Coral in a Home Aquarium
Feeding xenia coral in a home aquarium can be challenging, especially for beginners. However, with the right approach, you can provide them with adequate nutrition and ensure they thrive in your tank. Here are some tips on how to feed xenia coral in a home aquarium:
- Provide Adequate Lighting
As mentioned earlier, xenia coral relies heavily on photosynthesis to provide them with energy. Therefore, it is crucial to provide adequate lighting in your aquarium to ensure they receive enough nutrients. Xenia coral prefers moderate to high lighting levels, ideally between 50-150 PAR. A combination of blue and white LED lights works well for xenia coral.
- Feed a Variety of Foods
To ensure xenia coral receives a diverse range of nutrients, it is essential to feed them a variety of foods. You can feed them commercial coral food, such as frozen mysis shrimp, plankton, and krill. You can also add liquid coral supplements to your aquarium to provide additional nutrients.
- Maintain Water Quality
Maintaining excellent water quality is crucial for xenia coral’s health and growth. They are sensitive to high levels of nitrates and phosphates, which can lead to poor growth and health issues. Therefore, it is essential to perform regular water changes and monitor water parameters regularly.
In conclusion, xenia coral is a fascinating and unique soft coral species that can add a mesmerizing pulsating motion to your aquarium. While they primarily rely on photosynthesis for energy, they also have specialized feeding behaviors that allow them to capture small particles from the water column. Therefore, providing them with adequate lighting and a diverse range of food sources is crucial for their health and growth. By following the above tips, you can ensure xenia coral thrives in your home aquarium.