Blue Kenya Tree Coral Frag

Blue Kenya Tree Coral Frag

Available for Local Pickup in store

 

Scientific Name: Capnella spp.
Common Names: Blue Kenya Tree Coral, Kenya Tree, Nephthea Coral

 

Appearance

The Blue Kenya Tree Coral is a soft coral known for its tree-like growth form with a sturdy trunk and multiple branching arms. Its “blue” coloration is usually a bluish-grey to bluish-green tone, sometimes enhanced under reef lighting. Unlike stony corals, it lacks a hard skeleton and instead has a fleshy, flexible body that sways gracefully in the current, bringing natural movement to the reef.

 

Size

• Frag size: Often a small branch, ~2–5 cm tall.

• Colony size: Can reach 20–30 cm (8–12") tall in aquariums with space.

• Growth rate: Moderate to fast; can spread readily under favorable conditions.

 

Temperament & Reef Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful, does not sting like LPS or SPS corals.

• Reef Safe: Yes — safe with fish, inverts, and other corals.

• Caution: Produces mild chemical toxins (allelopathy) that may affect nearby corals if not managed with carbon or regular water changes.

 

Lighting Requirements

• Thrives under low to moderate light.

• LED, T5, or compact fluorescent lighting works well.

• Too much direct, intense light can cause bleaching.

• Best coloration typically appears under balanced spectrum reef lights.

 

Flow Requirements

• Prefers moderate to strong, indirect flow.

• Movement in the current helps keep its polyps extended and prevents detritus buildup.

• Flow also encourages its natural swaying motion, adding dynamic movement to the tank.

 

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

• Calcium: 380–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1200–1350 ppm

• Nitrate: 2–20 ppm (tolerant of higher nutrient levels than SPS corals)

• Phosphate: 0.03–0.1 ppm

Note: Kenya Tree corals are hardy and forgiving of less-than-perfect water conditions, making them ideal beginner corals.

 

Feeding & Nutrition

• Photosynthetic: Relies heavily on symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy.

• Supplemental feeding: Not strictly necessary but will benefit from dissolved nutrients and planktonic foods.

  • Phytoplankton

  • Marine snow

  • Liquid coral foods

• A slightly nutrient-rich environment helps it thrive (does not like ultra-low nutrient systems).

 

Placement in Aquarium

• Place mid to lower areas of the tank depending on light intensity.

• Secure frags to rocks, as they can detach and drift until they reattach elsewhere.

• Leave some space for growth and movement, though chemical interactions are more of a concern than direct stinging.

 

Growth & Propagation

• Growth: Moderate to fast. Can drop branches naturally (self-propagation).

• Propagation: Very easy — simply cut a branch and secure it with a rubber band, toothpick, or coral-safe glue to rock or frag plug.

• Detached frags often reattach on their own within days.

 

Behavior & Observations

• May “droop” or close up for a few days when adjusting to new conditions or after fragging — this is normal.

• Often sheds a waxy layer to remove algae or detritus; polyps will re-extend after a short period.

• Hardy coral that tolerates a wide range of tank conditions, making it excellent for beginners.

 

Maintenance Tips

• Perform regular water changes to keep water clean and stable.

• Use activated carbon periodically to reduce chemical toxins released.

• Monitor growth, as it can spread quickly if not controlled.

• Remove unwanted frags before they attach all over the tank.

 

Summary:
The Blue Kenya Tree Coral is a hardy, beginner-friendly soft coral that adds natural motion and color to reef aquariums. It thrives in low–moderate light, moderate flow, and slightly nutrient-rich water. Easy to frag and fast-growing, it can spread readily, making it a resilient but sometimes “weedy” coral in reef setups.

 

 Fun Facts:

• Kenya Tree corals often propagate themselves by dropping branches that drift and attach elsewhere — a natural fragging method!

• Unlike stony corals, they don’t build calcium skeletons, so they sway beautifully in the current.

• They’re so hardy that they are often used as “starter corals” to cycle new reef aquariums.