Common name: Branching Pipe Coral

General information

The Branching Pipe Coral, Isis hippuris, is a unique and visually striking species of soft coral known for its resemblance to organ pipes. Unlike stony corals, Isis hippuris does not build a hard calcium carbonate skeleton, but instead has a soft, flexible structure composed of calcareous spicules that give it a rigid appearance. This coral is often a mix of vibrant colors, typically featuring shades of red, pink, or purple, with white tips where the polyps extend.

Care

Caring for Branching Pipe Coral requires a moderate level of expertise. It thrives in well-established aquariums with stable water conditions. Moderate to strong water flow and lighting are essential for the health of this coral, as they help to deliver nutrients and remove waste products. It's important to provide a mixed diet of phytoplankton and zooplankton to meet its nutritional needs.

Symbiosis

Isis hippuris does not have the same type of symbiotic relationships with fish or invertebrates as some other corals do. However, its intricate structure provides shelter and habitat for a variety of small marine organisms, contributing to the biodiversity of the reef ecosystem.

Habitat

Branching Pipe Coral is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the central and western Pacific Ocean. It prefers reef slopes and lagoons, often at depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, where it can form dense thickets providing habitat for other marine life.