Chili Coral - Alcyonium species

[Reefaddict]

Just got a gorgeous bright red Chili! Just wondering if anyone has any pointers for the care of this awesome, soft, non-photosynthetic coral.

I've done some research and have DT's Phytoplankton that i've been feeding directly to the polyps with a pipette, when they are extended.

Thanks for any suggestions!


-The New 105

 

[reefrunner69]

Looks more like dendronepthya spp to me

 

[Reefaddict]

I thought that at first too, but I was told it is a chili. If you look at the two different corals (chili, dendro) closely you can see their is a difference so it is probably not a dendro.

I'll post a comparison picture of one of each here!

 

[stresco]

I have a Chili Sponge\Coral in my tank for several months now so I can tell you what i have learned. If what you have is a Chili, get it out of the light. My Chili hates the light. I have it living in constant shade under an overhanging rock. If you have a tunnel to put it in, even better. The hard part is getting it the water flow that it needs in there. It needs a strong current, but it will not like too direct water pressure, and it will not open up. I try to feed my tank DTs and Brine Shrimp at least twice a week, one time target feeding the Chili, and the Clam, and one time just adding it to the tank water. I do this at about 30 minutes before the lights go out so both the Photo. and NonPhoto creatures have a chance to feed. HTH

 

[Salt4Us]

That's a beautiful piece Reefaddict, where did you purchase it from?

 

[Reefaddict]

I got it from Something Fishy out of Minneapolis, MN