Waving Hands Anthelia
- In stock, ready to ship
- Backordered, shipping soon
Introducing the Waving Hands Anthelia, a graceful addition to your reef aquarium. Known for its long, flowing polyps that gently sway with the current, this soft coral adds a mesmerizing, dynamic effect to your tank. Its subtle pastel hues, ranging from pale pink to light purple, enhance the serene beauty of your reefscape. Thriving in low to moderate lighting with gentle water flow, the Waving Hands Anthelia is ideal for both beginners and seasoned aquarists. Quickly covering available surfaces, it brings life and motion to any underwater environment, creating a peaceful and enchanting marine display.
|
Scientific Name |
Anthelia Elongata |
|
Waterflow |
Low |
|
Lighting |
Low |
|
Temperament |
Peaceful |
|
Care Level |
Easy |
|
Placement |
Middle to Top |
|
Purchase Size |
3/4" Frag |
Anthelia corals, also called waving hands corals, are soft corals known for their long polyps which flow in the current, adding a lively movement to reef tanks. They are hardy and fast-growing, making them a popular choice for beginners, though they can spread quickly if not controlled.
Description:
Common Names: Waving Hand Coral, Anthelia Coral
Scientific Name: Anthelia spp.
Family: Xeniidae
Temperament: Peaceful (but can overgrow other corals if not managed)
Difficulty: Easy
Note: Anthelia corals resemble Xenia but are distinguishable by their lack of pulsing polyps, though they still wave actively in the current.
Native Habitat & Distribution:
Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting shallow reef flats and lagoons where water flow is moderate and light is strong.
Aquarium Care & Setup:
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
Lighting: Moderate to high; thrives under LED, T5, or metal halide lighting
Flow: Moderate; ensures polyps remain in constant motion
Placement: Place on isolated rock islands or areas where growth can be contained to prevent spreading into unwanted zones
Care Tips & Feeding:
• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; supplemental feeding is not required but can benefit from phytoplankton or microfauna in the water column
• Growth Pattern: Encrusting, mat-forming colonies that spread outward rapidly
• Tankmates: Compatible with most peaceful reef fish and invertebrates
• Behavior: Polyps remain open and waving throughout the day, creating a flowing, grass-like effect
For more information, check out our Anthelia Care Guide.
Are Anthelia corals easy to keep?
Yes, they are hardy soft corals that adapt well to a wide range of reef conditions.
Do Anthelia corals pulse like Xenia?
No, Anthelia do not pulse, but their polyps wave continuously in the current.
Do Anthelia corals need feeding?
They are photosynthetic and do not require direct feeding, though they may benefit from supplemental phytoplankton.
Where should I place Anthelia in my tank?
On isolated rockwork or rubble with room to spread, in moderate flow for constant waving.
How fast do Anthelia corals grow?
They can spread quickly, encrusting rock surfaces and forming dense waving mats.
Are Anthelia corals aggressive?
No, they are peaceful, but their rapid spreading can overtake nearby corals if not controlled.