Clavularia is a genus of Stolonifera, a type of encrusting softcoral. They are sometimes traded under such exotic names as "clove polyps" due to the shape of the contracted polyps. Clavularia viridis coral is very common species. The genus is chronically misidentified with, for example, Anthelia due to its similar shape, but which can be distinguished because it lacks the stolon (the "tubes") that remain when the polyps retract in Clavularia, or with Briareum due to a persistent literature error. There are different colored variants available to buy, popular are for example the "Tricolor" or "Fireworks" morphs.
Caring for Clavularia corals is unproblematic. With suitable water parameters they can grow to become a nuisance, but the creeping stolon is quite easy to detach from the rock, which makes them still containable. Nevertheless, especially in nano tanks you should choose the location carefully or make frags regularly.
If the Clavularia viridis does not feel well, the polyps remain closed - sometimes for several weeks. The animal is dead only when it starts to show bacterial decay (white fungus-like growth, bad rotting smell). There are few demands on the water quality - Clavularia viridis feel well even with higher nutrient values and are therefore suitable for beginners or new setups.
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