Scientific
Name: Clavularia viridis
Classification: Soft Coral
Common Names: Green Star Polyps
Description:
Green Star polyps are small bright green polyps connected together by a
rubbery purple colored mat. Open during the day, retracted at night or when
disturbed.
Natural Environment:
? Many specimens are now captive propagated.
Care:
Hardiness: Green Star polyps
are extremely hardy and can survive most reef tank conditions.
Lighting: Will tolerate fairly low light levels, but tend to develop brighter colors under higher
intensity lighting. A picture above shows a colony that is
lighter in color due to being raise in lower lighting conditions.
Water Current: Green Star polyps prefer moderate water motion.
Temperature: Does well within a range of at least 74º to 84º F.
Aggressiveness: High. Although the coral does not
have a stinging capability, it's encrusting growth pattern can
lead to rapid encroachment on its neighbors. Mat can be pruned with scissors if
it starts to get out of hand. This is one of those corals that some
hobbyist regret ever putting in their tank.
Feeding: Green Star polyps are photosynthetic and require no
feeding. It is unknown if they will accept any prepared foods.
Supplements: No special requirement are noted. Normal acceptable
water parameters seem to suit it just fine.
Tank Positioning: No special requirements other than keeping them out
of forceful water flow. They will sometimes grow up the back glass forming a
very attractive green backdrop.
