Heteroxenia (Heteroxenia fuscescens) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Heteroxenia, Pumping xenia, Pom-pom xenia, Pulsing xenia
Family
Xeniidae
Origin
Red Sea and western Indian Ocean; shallow reefs
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
Moderate
Flow
Medium

Care

A soft coral with a short stalk topped by clusters of feathery polyps that rhythmically open and close ("pulse"). It is usually white, cream, tan or pale blue. Heteroxenia differs from Xenia in having two kinds of polyps, but care is the same. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. The figures follow LiveAquaria's pumping xenia (Xenia elongata), a close relative. Placement: anywhere with moderate light, ideally on an isolated rock so it cannot spread into other corals. Light and flow: moderate light and medium flow. Water: iodine and trace elements help. Pulsing may stop for reasons that are not fully understood; it is not always a sign of ill health. Some tanks grow it like a weed, others struggle to keep it. Growth: fast once settled. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/liveaquaria®-ccgc-aquacultured-silver-branch-pumping-xenia-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mostly photosynthetic and absorbs dissolved nutrients. LiveAquaria suggests weekly micro-plankton or filter-feeder foods.

Breeding

Very easy. Cut a stalk off near the base with scissors and hold it against rubble with a rubber band or in a small cup of rubble until it attaches. It also spreads on its own by budding.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with no sting, but it spreads quickly and can overgrow slower corals; keep it well apart from other soft corals and SPS.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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