Plexaurella spp. are beautiful gorgonian soft corals prized for their graceful, tree-like branching and natural sway in aquarium currents. This large variant offers a striking addition to mature reef systems, providing both visual interest and habitat complexity.
Care Level: Moderate to advanced. Plexaurella spp. require stable water parameters and attentive husbandry to thrive.
Lighting Requirements: Moderate lighting is recommended, such as LED or T5 fixtures providing a PAR range of approximately 50-100 µmol/m²/s. Avoid intense direct light to prevent tissue stress.
Water Flow: Moderate, indirect water movement is ideal to simulate natural reef currents and promote polyp extension without damaging delicate branches.
Placement: Position Plexaurella spp. in areas with moderate flow and lighting, ensuring adequate space from neighbouring corals to prevent aggression or overgrowth. Secure attachment to rockwork is essential to prevent toppling.
Diet: Primarily photosynthetic via symbiotic zooxanthellae, but benefits from supplemental feeding of fine particulate foods such as phytoplankton, marine snow, or specialised coral feeds 1-2 times weekly.
Reef Compatibility: Yes, with adequate spacing. Plexaurella spp. are generally reef safe but may extend sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals.
Origin: Not Provided.
Maximum Size: Not Provided; typically can reach up to 30cm or more in mature systems.
Minimum Tank Size: Recommended minimum 100 litres to provide stable conditions and space for growth.
Regular water quality monitoring and stable parameters are essential for long-term success with Plexaurella spp. This coral is best suited for aquarists with some experience in maintaining soft corals and gorgonians.
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