Clavularia (Orange/striped)

• Glove polyps (Orange) (Striped)
• Indo-Pacific 
• Moderate Care Level
• For startes
• Low level in reeftank

Clavularia is a genus of soft corals in the family Clavulariidae. These organisms are typically found in tropical and subtropical seas, often growing on rocky substrates in shallow waters. They have a bushy or branching growth form, and the colonies can be quite striking due to their colorful appearance.

The polyps of Clavularia are usually small and arranged in branching clusters, with each polyp bearing numerous tentacles. These tentacles are used to filter plankton and other small particles from the water. The colors of Clavularia can range from yellow and green to pink and purple, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Clavularia corals can reproduce both sexually and asexually, with asexual reproduction occurring through fragmentation, where parts of the colony break off and grow into new colonies. These corals are not typically harmful but can release toxic substances if disturbed.

In aquariums, Clavularia is valued for its attractive appearance and relatively easy care, thriving in well-maintained systems with proper lighting and water quality.

Clavularia corals can be a great addition to a reef tank because they’re relatively hardy and easy to care for, provided you meet their basic needs. Here's how to treat them in a reef tank:

Placement in the Tank

• Lighting: Clavularia corals prefer moderate lighting. Too much intense light can cause them stress, so aim for a lighting system that provides moderate intensity and good spectrum, mimicking natural reef conditions.
• Water Flow: These corals prefer moderate water flow. Too strong a current might cause them to retract or get damaged, while too little flow can reduce their ability to feed. Gentle water movement is ideal to ensure proper filtration and the health of the colony.
• Space: Make sure you place them in a location where they have enough space to spread and grow. They can expand over time, so don't crowd them with other corals. Also, they can be a bit aggressive toward other corals if they're too close.

Water Parameters

Clavularia thrives in stable water conditions. Some important parameters to keep in mind are:

• Temperature: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity.
• pH: Around 8.1 to 8.4.
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH.
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm.

Feeding

• Clavularia corals are filter feeders, so they rely on plankton and particulate matter in the water. If your tank doesn't provide enough natural food, you can supplement their diet with liquid coral food or plankton.
• It's best to feed them small amounts of food, a few times a week. They typically don’t need direct feeding if the tank is well-established with enough microfauna, but occasional feeding will encourage their growth.

Maintenance and Care

• Water Quality: Keeping water quality high is essential for soft corals. Regular water changes (about 10-15% per week) help maintain stable conditions.
• Pruning: Over time, Clavularia corals can grow quite quickly and may need trimming. You can gently prune back overgrown sections with a coral-safe tool to prevent them from overtaking the tank. Just make sure you don’t damage the polyps too much when doing so.
• Watch for Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like nudibranchs, which may feed on the coral. If you notice damage or discolored patches on the polyps, inspect closely for potential pests.

Compatibility

Clavularia is generally peaceful, but it can sometimes be aggressive toward other corals, especially if they come into direct contact. Therefore, it's a good idea to give them some space from other, more delicate corals.

By providing a stable environment with the right lighting, flow, and water quality, you can ensure your Clavularia thrives in your reef tank!