Dense Carnation Coral
Drifa glomerata
Also known as: orb carnation coral
A cold-water soft coral that thrives where most reef species fear to go.
About
Dense Carnation Coral (Drifa glomerata) is a soft coral with roots in some of the coldest, deepest waters on the planet, ranging across the Atlantic and into Arctic regions at depths anywhere from shallow subtidal zones down to well over a thousand meters. That kind of range tells you something about its toughness. In the aquarium, it has a reputation as one of the more forgiving soft corals you can keep, which makes it an accessible choice even for hobbyists who are still building their reef experience. The colony growth form is clustered and bushy, with polyps that give it a textured, almost fluffy appearance when fully extended. Closer in feel to a temperate reef than the bright tropical setups most reefers are used to. Because it originates from cooler, dimmer environments, it does well under moderate lighting rather than the intense output demanded by many stony corals, and it appreciates steady but not overpowering water movement. It is considered reef safe, so tankmates and other corals are generally not at risk. Availability in the hobby is limited, but when it does show up, it offers something genuinely different from the typical tropical soft coral lineup.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Dense Carnation Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Dense Carnation Coral eat?
- The Dense Carnation Coral is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Dense Carnation Coral reef safe?
- The Dense Carnation Coral is generally considered reef safe.