Starburst Polyp

General information

In general, soft corals coming from the genus Clavularia has many individual polyps that is binded altogether in one colony. They are a small-sized colony averaging only 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in height. They are ideal for newbie aquarist since they have no calcified skeleton making them highly tolerant to nutrient fluctuation, especially when it comes to calcium, magnesium and alkalinity of the water.

As for the Starburst Polyp, they are predominantly colored brown yellow with white mouth. This are the water parameters for cultivating Starburst Polyp:

• Calcium: 420 – 430 ppm
• Alkalinity: 3.21 – 3.57 MEQ/L (9 – 10 dKH)
• Phosphates: 0
• Magnesium: 1280 – 1350
• Strontium: 8 -10 mg/L
• Temperature: 77° – 81° F (25° – 27° C)
• Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
• pH: 8.0 – 8.4

While the Starburst Polyp gets it primary nourishment from a symbiotic zooxanthellae living within its tissues, the require supplemental feeding like mysis or brine shrimp.

The Starburst Polyp should be set either at the bottom or at the middle part of the tank.

The Starburst Polyp are found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

While the Starburst Polyp has a peaceful behavior, you have to give them enough space since they release a slime coat that is harmful to other corals and irritating to a human skin. You should wear gloves in handling them. They don't need too much light, otherwise they will die and will be eaten by both fish and invertebrates.

Starburst Polyp are purely marine species. Therefore, salinity must be entirely maintained from 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.