pulsing Xenia

[jimpierce]

As I had the water circulating shut off in my tank to do a little manjano killing, I noticed something really cool!!




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[kaybee]

Nice vid!

While there are several theories, interestingly, no one can say for sure just why xenia's pulse.

[Fishguy2727]

The general idea is that it helps circulate water, which is why they tend to not do it in high flow tanks and will do it with low flow. The extra water flow around the animal itself provides food, oxygen, removes waste, etc.

[kaybee]

One of the theories.

My xenia continues to pulse while being pelted with water flow. And on the other side of the coin, I've heard of hobbyists with xenia that doesn't pulse and high water flow is absent.

[Fishguy2727]

Which kind do you have? Some are more and less likely to do it than others.
What are the other theories?

[jimpierce]

I look forward to hearing some theories about this. lol Who knows, it may be as simple as "because they can"

[kaybee]

Fishguy, I've got xenia umbellata ('pom-pom' or 'Red Sea' xenia).

Other theories as to why they pulse in addition to the one you've stated include corellation to water and lighting parameters, as well as a means to either decrease or increase light exposure to the coral's tissue, and particulate capture, among others (I don't buy the particulate capture as xenia has non-existant or under-developed oral cavity and can absorb nutrients through its tissue). The pulsing could be various combinations of the above or something still unknown.

Whatever the reason, it must be worth it to pulse (the benefits that pulsing provides must be equal to or greater than the energy expended to pulse for the coral to commit to doing it). Interestingly, the specimens's that don't pulse can still spread like weeds.

[labnjab]

Xenia are one of my favorite coral. The add movement to the tank, lol. Nice video. I've also heard they they are great for telling water conditions (I don't know how true it is). If they start to sulk for a day or so, its time for a water change or something else is up with the water

[Fishguy2727]

That is true. The lady on karensroseanemones.com uses the xenia to judge water quality, she never uses test kits.

[jimpierce]

that is good to know. Another tell tale is always good!!