Tube Coral

About

Tube Coral (Cladocora arbuscula) is an unusual small-polyp stony coral that builds clusters of thin, interlocking tubes rather than the solid or plating structures you see in most reef-building species. Each individual corallite measures only a few millimetres across, with thin walls and fine, delicately toothed septa. The whole colony has a light, almost fragile look to it. Coloration tends toward tan and brown, with translucent tentacles that extend to feed. In the wild, this species is notably tolerant of turbid, sediment-heavy conditions and is frequently found in seagrass beds and other low-clarity environments across the Western Central Atlantic, rather than on pristine hard reefs. Colonies can grow either tightly attached to hard substrate or as loose aggregations on soft bottoms. The latter type tends to fall apart easily if handled, so take care during placement and aquascaping. Typically only the upper tips of the tubes carry living tissue, which is worth knowing when assessing a colony's health. Because it appreciates moderate flow and high light but comes from somewhat forgiving, nutrient-influenced habitats, it sits in intermediate territory for care. Not a beginner's first coral, but manageable for a keeper with some small-polyp stony coral experience.