Common name: Feather Star Coral

General information

The Feather Star Coral, Coelogorgia palmosa, is a soft coral species known for its delicate, feather-like polyps that extend from a central stalk. This coral is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other soft corals, but it can be a beautiful and unique addition to a reef tank. It is part of the Alcyoniidae family, which includes a variety of soft corals known for their resilience and ease of care.

Care

Coelogorgia palmosa requires moderate care. It thrives in moderate to strong water flow and low to moderate lighting conditions. This coral species is photosynthetic, hosting symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae, which provide it with the majority of its nutritional needs through photosynthesis. However, it can also benefit from supplemental feedings of planktonic foods.

Symbiosis

While Coelogorgia palmosa does not have any well-known symbiotic relationships like those seen in clownfish and anemones, its structure provides a habitat for a variety of small reef organisms. These can include microfauna such as copepods and amphipods, which in turn can serve as a food source for other tank inhabitants.

Habitat

In the wild, Coelogorgia palmosa is found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically in deeper waters on reef slopes and walls. It is often seen at depths where light is less intense, which is why it does not require strong lighting in the aquarium setting.