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.