Yellow Polyp
Parazoanthus gracilis
Saltwater Coral
Species Group: Parazoanthus
Family: Parazoanthidae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Yellow Polyp
General information
In general, corals coming from the genus Parazoanthus have long tentacles that is attached to a fluted body. Instead of looking like an encrusting mat, the polyps from this genus are individually spaced and attached. Taking a closer look at their polyps, you will observe that they simultaneously doing an Open and Close motion which is believed to be a sort of chemical communication.
As for the Yellow Polyp, they are predominatly colored yellow in its tentacles and white in its stalk. This are the water parameters for cultivating Yellow Finger Gorgonian:
Calcium: 420 – 440 ppm
Alkalinity: 2.86 – 4.259 MEQ/L (8 – 12 dKH)
Phosphates: > 0.10 mg/L
Magnesium: 1260 – 1350
Strontium: 8 -10 mg/L
Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° – 26° C)
Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
pH: 8.1 – 8.4
Diet & nutrition
The Yellow Polyp is not a photosynthetic species. They get their nourishment by snatching small foods present in the water like plankton. Supplemental feeding is highly advised where you can give them brine shrimp and mysis.
Determining sex
The Yellow Polyp should be placed at the bottom portion of the tank. You may need a gel glue or putty to fasten them on an exposed rock.
Breeding & spawning
The Yellow Polyp only requires minimal lighting but a strong flow of water. This is the reason why they should be placed at the bottom of the tank.
Origination
The Yellow Polyp are a subtropical species found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the USA and Canada.
Cautions
While the Yellow Polyp is not aggressive, you still need to give ample space between other species corals. What you should be cautious is during the handling process since the branches are highly brittle and can easily break off.
Acclimation process
Yellow Polyp are purely marine species. Therefore, salinity must be entirely maintained from 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
All photos
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