Tubipora is a genus of soft corals. They are counted among the stolonifera, which have a so-called stolon, a stiff basal tissue from which a flexible polyp can be protruded. Several species of Tubipora have been described, however, almost only Tubipora musica, the organ coral, is represented in the aquarium trade. One of a few soft corals, Tubipora forms a calcareous skeleton and is thus reef-building. Colonies can sometimes reach several meters in width. It is therefore also listed under CITES in the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, along with stony corals. and requires CITES. Due to its bright red color, this skeleton is also popular as jewelry and souvenirs, which contributes to threats to the species.
The maintenance in the aquarium is simple, the animals feed on light through their zooxanthellae or on dissolved organic matter, and can also catch plankton. Only low demands are made on water quality, and it further does not require particularly strong light. The skeleton is easy to work with, so cuttings can be made easily. They are widespread from the Indo-Pacific to the Red Sea. The often paddle-like tentacles with only weakly or rudimentarily developed arms are special, so that they can be easily distinguished from Briareum and Clavularia, if one cannot feel for the skeleton.
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