Organ Pipe Coral (Tubipora musica) Care Guide
Tubipora musica, the organ pipe coral, is an octocoral with a red calcareous tube skeleton and green polyps, near threatened in the wild.
Overview
Tubipora musica, the organ pipe coral, is an octocoral whose skeleton consists of many organ-pipe-like calcium carbonate tubes that are bright red. Living colonies appear green, blue or purple because of the expanded polyps, each of which bears eight feather-like tentacles. It was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tubiporidae
- Order: Malacalcyonacea
- Class: Octocorallia
- Scientific name: Tubipora musica
- Authority: (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat
It inhabits the Indian Ocean and the central and western Pacific, from Japan westward to the East African coast and throughout the Red Sea. It occupies sheltered areas at 2 to 20 m depth, requiring good, bright light and medium to strong water currents.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 C (75-79 F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (KH): 8-11 dKH
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Lighting: ~75-175 PAR (medium)
- Flow: medium
- Minimum tank maturity: 6 months
Feeding
The coral contains symbiotic zooxanthellae that supply energy through photosynthesis, though dissolved organic matter satisfies only about 13% of its metabolic needs. Bright light and supplemental amino acids or phytoplankton support its colour and growth.
Compatibility
It is passive and reef-safe, compatible with fish and shrimp. Provide strong light and medium flow, and a mature tank, as it is more demanding than typical beginner soft corals.
Conservation status
Tubipora musica is listed as Near Threatened, with over 50% of its population lost in the past decade due to illegal collection, the aquarium trade and tourist harvesting.