Menella is a genus of Indo-Pacific gorgonians (sea fans and whips) with thin, branching stems and small polyps, often red, orange, yellow or white. They are non-photosynthetic, so they rely completely on being fed, although they are thought to be among the easier non-photosynthetic gorgonians to keep. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. Placement: in a shaded spot such as an overhang or cave, with moderate to strong flow across the branches so that food reaches the polyps. Water: typical reef parameters (about 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12), plus high water quality, since the feeding needed adds nutrients to the tank. Gorgonians are not CITES-listed. Sources: general reef-keeping guidance only; neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists it. Checked October 2026.
Diet
Non-photosynthetic: it needs daily feeding with fine foods such as copepods, rotifers, oyster eggs, fine coral foods or baby brine shrimp.
Breeding
Cut a branch with scissors, expose a little core at the base and glue it into a plug or hole in the rock.
Compatibility and tank mates
Peaceful. Keep it out of reach of stinging corals and of fish that pick at polyps.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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