Common names: clove polyp coral, clove coral, eight tentacle polyps
Natural origin: Indo-Pacific
Sensitivity (Level 1): These are usually very tolerant and forgiving corals.
Feeding: The coral's feathery polyp tentacles help it catch food suspended in water. They feed on foods of smaller particle size.
Lighting (Level 4 to 7): Lighting needs will depend on the depth and clarity of the water where the coral was collected (or aquacultured). However, most prefer moderate lighting.
Water flow: Moderate waterflow is important for good health.
Placement: These corals can be slightly aggressive, but the stinging power of their polyps is minimal. When healthy, they can grow quite quickly and should be provided space to grow and fully extend their polyps. An encrusting coral with tubular shaped polyps, clove corals can grow quite fast and compete with other corals for space (like xenia and star polyps they can become a "weed coral"). Polyps usually range in height from 1/2 to 2 inches when closed, and 1 to 4 inches when fully extended.
General:  These are great beginner corals and very easy to fragment and propagate. However, there are some less aesthetically pleasing species which can grow quite rapidly and  quickly become a nuisance.