Spicata Capnella (Capnella spicata) Care Guide
Capnella spicata is a hardy tree-shaped soft coral of the family Nephtheidae with thick branches, photosynthetic and easy to propagate.
Overview
Capnella spicata is a tree-shaped soft coral of the family Nephtheidae, closely related to the Kenya Tree Coral, with thicker, spike-tipped branches and cream-to-tan colouration. It is a hardy octocoral that relies on photosynthetic zooxanthellae and propagates readily in the aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Class: Octocorallia
- Family: Nephtheidae
- Genus: Capnella
- Scientific name: Capnella spicata
Habitat
Capnella tree corals occur throughout the Indo-Pacific, on reef slopes in clear water across a range of depths, often where there is steady current. The genus is widespread and adaptable in its native habitat.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- dKH: 8-11
- Calcium: 380-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Nitrate: below 15 ppm; Phosphate: below 0.1 ppm
- Lighting: 50-150 PAR (moderate)
- Flow: low to medium
- Minimum tank age: 3 months
Feeding
Like other Capnella, it hosts symbiotic photosynthetic zooxanthellae that supply most of its energy under adequate light. It also benefits from supplemental phytoplankton and micro-plankton foods designed for filter-feeding invertebrates.
Compatibility
Passive and reef-safe with no stinging tentacles, safe with fish and shrimp. Provide space around it, as Capnella corals can spread and crowd slower neighbours.
Propagation
It is easily propagated by cutting a branch and attaching it to rock or rubble, and like its relatives it can self-propagate by dropping branchlets that root nearby.