Menella
Menella is an octocoral belonging to the family Acanthogorgiidae, recognized by its thick central trunk from which short branches emerge. Its appeal comes from branches colored red or orange, topped with polyps in a contrasting hue that seem to bloom across the colony. Because Menella lacks zooxanthellae, it cannot rely on aquarium lighting for nutrition and instead needs frequent feedings of fine planktonic food to thrive. This makes it a coral suited to experienced keepers who can commit to a consistent feeding routine, rather than a good choice for a first coral.
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Menella key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- Diet
- Zooplankton and phytoplankton (feeding is mandatory; it does not photosynthesise)
- Lighting
- No zooxanthellae, so lighting is unnecessary; a shaded position or under an overhang is fine.
- Flow & Placement
- Give strong random flow so sediment cannot settle on the branches; mount on a side wall or overhang.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 24-27 C and 1.022-1.025 specific gravity. Heavy feeding fouls the water, so keep up skimming and water changes.
- Feeding
- Feed phytoplankton and fine zooplankton several times a day; it declines without regular feeding.
- Notes
- It is traded at genus level and hard to identify to species. Balancing feeding with water quality makes it an advanced coral.
About Menella
Menella is an octocoral with thick branches in red or orange, topped with contrasting polyps. Lacking zooxanthellae, it requires frequent feeding of fine plankton and suits experienced keepers only.
7 things to know before welcoming a Menella
1Light Alone Won't Feed It
Menella lacks zooxanthellae, so it cannot draw nutrition from aquarium lighting. To keep it growing and colorful, you need to feed it fine planktonic foods on a consistent basis.
2Feeding Frequency Matters
As a non-photosynthetic coral, Menella depends more heavily on feeding frequency and quantity than many photosynthetic corals. Insufficient feeding can lead to poor polyp extension and thinning branches.
3Prefers Moderate Flow
Moderate water flow helps distribute food across the polyps along its branching trunk. Flow that's too strong or areas with poor circulation can both reduce polyp extension, so placement matters.
4Plan Its Placement
Given its thick trunk and outward branching shape, Menella does best with enough open space around it to avoid contact with neighboring corals or live rock.
5Keep Water Quality Stable
Because it requires heavier feeding than photosynthetic corals, leftover food and waste can affect water quality more quickly. Regular skimming and water changes help keep conditions stable.
6Best For Experienced Keepers
Menella suits keepers who already have experience with non-photosynthetic corals, or who can commit real time to a feeding-intensive routine. It's a challenging choice for someone just starting out with corals.
7Branch and Polyp Contrast
The appeal of Menella lies in the contrast between its red or orange branches and the differently colored polyps that bloom across them. Well-extended polyps are a good sign of its condition.
Frequently asked questions about Menella
- Q.Is Menella suitable for beginners?
- A.Menella is a non-photosynthetic coral that cannot survive on lighting alone and needs frequent feeding. Because of this, it's generally considered a species for experienced keepers rather than a first coral.
- Q.How often does Menella need to be fed?
- A.As a non-photosynthetic coral, Menella needs frequent feedings of fine planktonic food. Long gaps between feedings tend to result in poor polyp extension, so a consistent feeding schedule is important.
- Q.What kind of lighting does Menella need?
- A.Since Menella lacks zooxanthellae, it cannot draw nutrition from lighting. Lighting should be chosen mainly for viewing and general tank management, while nutrition is provided entirely through feeding.
- Q.Can Menella be kept alongside other corals?
- A.Because of its thick trunk and outward branching shape, it's important to leave enough space so it doesn't come into contact with neighboring corals or live rock. Its flow and feeding needs may also differ significantly from other corals, so placement should be planned accordingly.
- Q.Are there legal restrictions on Menella?
- A.Menella is not subject to CITES.
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