Colt Soft Coral

About

Found in the reef environments of the Red Sea, Cladiella arbusculoides is a soft coral belonging to the family Alcyoniidae, commonly known as colt or cauliflower soft corals. It forms clusters of rounded, finger-like lobes that extend and retract depending on water conditions and light levels, giving the colony a pleasantly organic, almost shrubby appearance. The surface is covered in tiny polyps that, when fully extended, lend the coral a fuzzy texture and help it feed on fine particulate matter and dissolved nutrients in the water column. Colors tend toward muted creams, tans, and pale browns, so this isn't a coral you're keeping for bold coloration. The appeal is more in its graceful movement and relatively undemanding nature. In the aquarium, Cladiella arbusculoides is generally considered a solid choice for newer reef keepers. It tolerates moderate lighting and moderate flow without a lot of fuss, and it doesn't rely heavily on supplemental feeding the way some corals do. It is reef safe and poses little threat to neighboring corals, though you should still give it reasonable spacing as it grows. If the colony deflates for a day or two after a water change or a handling event, don't panic. That's completely normal behavior for this group.