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Menella
AdvancedMenella spp.
An octocoral of the family Acanthogorgiidae with short branches off a thick main stem and contrasting polyps on red or orange tissue. It lacks zooxanthellae and needs feeding, so it is for experienced keepers.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
24〜27℃
Diet
Zooplankton and phytoplankton (feeding is mandatory; it does not photosynthesise)
About
Menella is a group of octocorals in the family Acanthogorgiidae found on Indo-West Pacific reefs. Gray erected the genus in 1870, and WoRMS treats Plexauroides as a synonym. Colonies grow as short, fairly thick branches off a flexible gorgonin axis, and traded specimens often show strong contrast between red or orange branch tissue and white or yellow polyps. Like most gorgonians it is non-photosynthetic, carrying no zooxanthellae, so lighting provides no energy and it must be fed phytoplankton and fine zooplankton several times a day. The key to keeping it is offsetting the water quality cost of that feeding with skimming and water changes. Provide strong random flow so sediment does not settle on the branches.
Temperature & humidity for the Menella
The ideal temperature for the Menella is 24〜27℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Coral reefs of the Indo-West Pacific
Temperature
24〜27℃
Diet
Zooplankton and phytoplankton (feeding is mandatory; it does not photosynthesise)
Care Guide
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.
Care Specifications
- Water Temp.
- 24–27℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.023–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
Soft coralLight: Low (PAR 30-50)Flow: HighPlacement: Flexible
Sources: Wikipedia: Reef aquarium (water parameters) / AlgaeBarn: Gorgonians in the Marine Aquarium / AlgaeBarn: Feeding Your NPS Aquarium / AlgaeBarn: Natural Water Quality Management for Non-Photosynthetic Reef Aquaria
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Menella spp. Gray, 1870
Synonyms: Plexauroides
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Octocoral, order Malacalcyonacea (Menella spp., Acanthogorgiidae). Not listed by CITES: it belongs to none of Scleractinia, Antipatharia, Helioporidae, Tubiporidae, Milleporidae or Stylasteridae.
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (taxon not listed) / CITES Appendices
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Menella Listings
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