Pom Pom Xenia Care Guide
Pom Pom Xenia is a Heteroxenia trade variant of the family Xeniidae with rounded pom-pom polyp clusters. It is a photosynthetic, pulsing soft coral.
Overview
Pom Pom Xenia is a trade name for a Heteroxenia variant within the family Xeniidae, recognised by its rounded, pom-pom-like clusters of polyps. Like other xeniids it is a pulsing soft coral whose many-fingered polyps open and close rhythmically, and it is photosynthetic and decorative in reef displays.
Taxonomy
- Class: Octocorallia
- Family: Xeniidae
- Genus: Heteroxenia
- Scientific name: Heteroxenia sp. 'Pom Pom'
- Note: trade variant; not a formally described species (WoRMS, order Malacalcyonacea)
Habitat
Members of Heteroxenia and the wider Xeniidae occur on tropical Indo-Pacific reefs. As photosynthetic soft corals they rely on symbiotic zooxanthellae for most of their nutrition.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24–26 °C (75–79 °F)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024–1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8–11
- Calcium: 380–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280–1350 ppm
- Nitrate: below ~15 ppm; phosphate below ~0.1 ppm
- Lighting: medium, about 75–175 PAR
- Flow: low to moderate, indirect
- Minimum tank age: about 3 months
As with other Xenia and Heteroxenia, moderate light and gentle, indirect flow encourage pulsing; place on rock with room to spread.
Diet
This coral is mainly photosynthetic, drawing most of its energy from zooxanthellae and absorbing dissolved nutrients; supplemental amino acids or phytoplankton are optional.
Compatibility
It is reef, fish and shrimp safe and lacks strong stinging tentacles, but like other xeniids it can spread vigorously, so give it space and prune as needed.