Xenia elongata is the pulsing xenia: stalks topped with clusters of eight-tentacled, feathery polyps that open and close rhythmically. LiveAquaria's captive-grown silver-branch form is white and tan; LiveAquaria notes the reason for pulsing is unknown, and a colony that stops is not always unwell. LiveAquaria rates it moderate, with moderate light and medium flow; it can go anywhere on the rockwork. Put it on an isolated rock so it cannot spread over other corals. Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.1–8.4 and 22–26 °C, with iodine and trace elements. Xenia often does best with some nutrients present and can crash in very clean systems. LiveAquaria says aquacultured colonies reproduce quickly. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/liveaquaria®-ccgc-aquacultured-silver-branch-pumping-xenia-coral). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic. LiveAquaria recommends weekly micro-plankton or filter-feeder foods.
Breeding
Very easy: cut a stalk at the base and attach it to rock or a plug with a rubber band or mesh, or let it walk onto rubble placed beside it. LiveAquaria's frags come on ceramic plugs fixed with gel superglue or epoxy.
Compatibility and tank mates
Peaceful, but it spreads fast and can smother slower corals; LiveAquaria advises giving it space from other sessile animals, especially other soft corals.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
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Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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