{"product_id":"pulsing-xenia-colony-large","title":"Pulsing Xenia Colony - Large","description":"\u003cp\u003ePulsing Xenia is a soft coral, often one of the first corals a hobbyist will keep and a classic for a reason. Its defining characteristic is the rhythmic, hypnotic pulsing of its polyps, a feature that adds a unique type of movement to a reef aquarium. The colony consists of several stalks that terminate in a crown of eight-tentacled polyps, which are typically cream, tan, or light brownish in colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pulsing action of Xenia is its main attraction. The polyps will slowly and rhythmically open and close in a mesmerising display. The rate and intensity of this pulsing can vary depending on water conditions, particularly flow and available light. In a healthy colony, this coordinated movement across dozens of polyps is quite a sight. When the lights go out, the polyps retract tightly against the stalk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePulsing Xenia is known for being very hardy and is not demanding in its care requirements. It prefers moderate lighting, in the 100 to 200 PAR range, and relatively low to moderate water flow, as strong currents will inhibit the pulsing motion. It thrives in typical reef water parameters and is more tolerant of nutrient fluctuations than many other corals. While photosynthetic, it also effectively absorbs dissolved organic nutrients from the water column, meaning no direct feeding is necessary. Due to its fast growth, it can be an effective method of nutrient export.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most important consideration for keeping Xenia is managing its growth. It is a very fast-growing coral that can spread over rock, glass, and equipment, and it will overgrow any stationary corals in its path. For this reason, many reefers choose to place it on an isolated rock on the sandbed, creating a dedicated \"Xenia island\" that can be easily controlled and pruned back as needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a WYSIWYG listing; you'll receive a specimen of the same species with similar size and colouration to the one pictured, hand-picked for health and colour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eastern Marine Aquariums","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42359252680759,"sku":"EMA-SOF-20260807-D4RC","price":165.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1849\/1739\/files\/7700592c-8f94-4d39-99e0-4e8a502c4e36-_MG_4593.png?v=1786129694","url":"https:\/\/easternmarineaquariums.co.nz\/products\/pulsing-xenia-colony-large","provider":"EasternMarine Aquariums","version":"1.0","type":"link"}