Xenia Feeding

ggmichael · 10-17-2006, 09:04 PM

Ok probably a stupid question, but do I need to find my Xenia?

shawnbobawn · 10-18-2006, 11:39 AM

The health of a Xenia Soft Coral is normally indicated by the coral's pulsing motion. In a healthy coral, the each polyp will rhythmically open and close. In a failing coral, the polyps are still. Often, upon introduction to a new aquarium, the Xenia Soft Coral will not pulse; however, once it is acclimated, it will set itself in motion. Moderate water motion is necessary for the health of Xenia. Some may even thrive when placed directly in strong current, unlike many species that cannot tolerate such strong current. Most aquarists consider strong lighting to be important to Xenia; however, these corals may also do well in moderate lighting. Because most Xenia Corals will not accept foods, direct lighting is particularly important, since photosynthesis is the only source of nutrients for these corals.

so in answer to your question i found this online i think that they just get nutrients from lighting through photosynthesis

i hope that helps

ggmichael · 10-18-2006, 02:02 PM

thanks shawn for the response...funny thing is I was also wondering if my Xenia would be disturbed by being in too much current, because she is dancing up a storm

I have noticed some of the polyps close up real tight and then open, not alot but they do. So the pulsing action is the opening and closing of each polyp? What makes it open and close?

ahill3780 · 10-19-2006, 05:06 PM

Xenias will close up tight if they are disturbed by something brushing up against them, and they will also do this at night when they 'sleep'. The 'pulsing' action is very distinct and it happens when their pedals are fully opened. They will snap open and closed (not fully, mind) as if they were jellyfish trying to swim away. This gives them the appearance of pulsing, and thus their name.

Shawn is right from all I can tell, these guys primarily live on photosynthesis but I like to supplement the aquarium with phytoplankton on the off-chance that I am wrong.

HTH,
Aaron

xeruf · 10-20-2006, 01:00 AM

I have a decent crop of xenas that are re-producing.
ive notice that along with closing up they also can shrink in size, after a days worth of grow light they can more than double in size. i took a night time pic of them shrunk and i'll do an after full light day pic tommorow to show you

does yours do the same?

ahill3780 · 10-20-2006, 05:37 PM

As far as I am aware they will shrink up in order to regulate their body chemistry, in the same manner that anemones do. It is true, Xenia reproduce wildly and with very little stimulation. They don't require a lot of light and they can survive in sub-par conditions for a while. They will even grow on glass, up the tank walls, etc.

xeruf · 10-20-2006, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahill3780

As far as I am aware they will shrink up in order to regulate their body chemistry, in the same manner that anemones do. It is true, Xenia reproduce wildly and with very little stimulation. They don't require a lot of light and they can survive in sub-par conditions for a while. They will even grow on glass, up the tank walls, etc.

ya thats soo true, I had to cut a bucnh off the glass when I moved the tank, I didnt want them dieing then whe nI add the water and have them mess with the PH level

ggmichael · 10-20-2006, 10:36 PM

I was noticing that when the white light goes off and leaves the blue light, that is when Xenia really pulses and it is fascinating to watch. She is growing. Once all lights are off, she goes to sleep.

ahill3780 · 10-22-2006, 01:04 AM

Yeah, I have noticed that mine do better when placed on the sandbed furthest from the lights than they do when up higher.

xeruf · 10-28-2006, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahill3780

Shawn is right from all I can tell, these guys primarily live on photosynthesis but I like to supplement the aquarium with phytoplankton on the off-chance that I am wrong.

I went ot the local store and hte guy said they eat plankton, which makes sence to me sence theres little feathers on the polops for grabbing small particls and puts them at what looks liek a small tiny hole on mine.

sence Ive started feeding plankton to then, they have grown alot and are all open all the time and look alot healthyer

I definatle recomend getting some plankton for them