Saltwater Aquarium Guide -- Fast Facts

Fast Facts (page 10)

Why do Corals Pulse? Pulsing/pumping corals may remain still in an aquarium. Lack of movement is not necessarily a sign of ill health. In fact, pulsing behavior in corals has been a subject of controversy since the various species of pulsing/pumping corals were introduced into the hobby. All species of corals within the different genuses of the Xeniidae family - Anthelia sp., Cespitularia sp., Heteroxenia sp., and Xenia sp. - have the ability to pulse. Why these species pulse, and the environmental conditions that encourage them to pulse, is unknown. Scientists have speculated that corals pulse/pump to increase water movement within the colony, which, in turn, helps corals release waste products and obtain nutrients.

Ultimately, the total expansion and growth rate of the coral determines the health of the colony. If the colony shows poor expansion and slow growth, gradually move the colony to a location within your aquarium that provides a different water flow and lighting pattern. Be careful not to shock the coral with dramatic lighting changes, especially if you use metal halide lights

Aquacultured Corals vs. Wild-harvested Corals: Aquacultured corals are advantageous for several reasons; aquacultured corals are usually more colorful and more resistant to disease. Since aquacultured corals are propagated and raised in an artificial environment, they tend to adjust to the home aquarium more rapidly. While aquacultured corals are smaller than wild-harvested corals, they typically grow faster and create a beautiful display in less time.

Successfully managing our marine resources is key to the long-term success of the aquarium hobby. And aquacultured aquaria are an integral part of the equation. Due to recent advancements in marine culture, it's now possible to successfully propagate and grow many species of corals in large numbers. Aquaculture facilities, in their efforts to propagate these species, have provided hobbyists with invaluable information on the captive care of these corals. We feel that their efforts must be supported.

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