Passionate Carnation Coral
Gersemia mirabilis
A cold-water soft coral that brings reef color to chillier tanks.
About
Passionate Carnation Coral (Gersemia mirabilis) is a soft coral native to the cold waters of the Northwest Atlantic, where it forms branching, tree-like colonies in deeper, dimmer conditions than most reef hobbyists are used to working with. The colony structure is fleshy and lobed, with a warm pinkish to reddish hue that comes from the coral's own tissue rather than photosynthetic pigments. An important distinction, because this species is non-photosynthetic or only weakly so, meaning it depends on particulate food and zooplankton rather than intense lighting to meet its nutritional needs. That said, it is listed as a beginner-accessible coral, which suggests it is more forgiving of aquarium conditions than many of its non-photosynthetic relatives. Moderate flow helps deliver food to its polyps and keeps detritus from settling on the colony, while moderate lighting suits its natural preference for less intense conditions. In a suitable reef setup it can be a genuinely interesting centerpiece, offering a look quite different from the typical Indo-Pacific soft corals that dominate the hobby. Hobbyists keeping cold-water or mixed-parameter systems will find it particularly well suited to those builds.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Passionate Carnation Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Passionate Carnation Coral eat?
- The Passionate 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 Passionate Carnation Coral reef safe?
- The Passionate Carnation Coral is generally considered reef safe.