Dead Man's Fingers
Alcyonium muricatum
A soft coral from Japanese waters, surprisingly approachable for newer reef keepers.
About
Found within the Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone, Alcyonium muricatum is a soft coral that belongs to the genus known broadly as dead man's fingers and their relatives. A group of alcyoniid corals widespread across Indo-Pacific and temperate waters. Like other members of this genus, it likely forms fleshy, lobed colonies studded with polyps that extend to feed on plankton and dissolved organics in the water column. What makes this species worth noting for reef hobbyists is that it sits comfortably in the beginner category, which is not something you can say about many soft corals with limited hobby documentation. It asks for moderate water movement and moderate light, both of which are easy to dial in with standard reef equipment. It is considered reef safe, so you won't need to worry about it making a meal of your other invertebrates or causing chemical warfare issues common with some more aggressive soft coral genera. Because detailed hobbyist records on this specific species are sparse, it is worth seeking out others who have kept it and paying close attention to how your colony behaves in your particular system rather than relying on generalizations alone.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Dead Man's Fingers
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Dead Man's Fingers eat?
- The Dead Man's Fingers is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Dead Man's Fingers reef safe?
- The Dead Man's Fingers is generally considered reef safe.