Knopia (Knopia octocontacanalis) Care Guide

Knopia octocontacanalis, the jasmine or daisy polyp, is a compact Indo-Pacific octocoral forming dense mats of feathery polyps.

Overview

Knopia octocontacanalis, traded as jasmine or daisy polyps, is a soft coral that forms dense mats of tightly packed polyps with feathery tentacles, creating a soft, waving carpet. The genus and species were described in 2007 from Indo-Pacific material.

Taxonomy

Family: Clavulariidae
Order: Malacalcyonacea
Class: Octocorallia
Scientific name: Knopia octocontacanalis
Authority: Alderslade & McFadden, 2007
Note: described as a pinnule-less Indo-Pacific clavulariid; the genus is monotypic with this type species.

Habitat

The species is of Indo-Pacific origin, where these encrusting octocorals settle on hard reef substrate. In the aquarium it is best placed in the lower to middle region where lighting is not too intense and flow is gentle but consistent.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: ~100 L
Temperature: 24-26 C (75-79 F)
pH: 8.1-8.4
Carbonate hardness (KH): 8-11 dKH
Calcium: 380-450 ppm
Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
Lighting: ~50-150 PAR (medium)
Flow: low
Minimum tank maturity: 3 months

Feeding

Knopia is photosynthetic, relying chiefly on symbiotic zooxanthellae. Supplemental amino acids and phytoplankton may support growth, but the coral does not require heavy target feeding.

Compatibility

It is passive and reef-safe, compatible with fish and shrimp. Provide gentle, consistent flow and avoid placing it directly under the most intense light.