Cespitularia sp.
Alas, photographs capture very little of the ethereal qualities of these corals and aquarists must see them in the flesh to truly appreciate them. The few fragments that enter the aquarium trade have been cited as hailing from Indonesia or East Africa.

Description:
This coral is similar to Xenia sp., except that polyps grow from the stems as well as the top. Their colour is luminous, which improves as the coral settles in. Colours range from tan and peach to blue and green.

Location/Natural Habitat:
This coral grows throughout the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, with specimens recorded in both clear and turbid waters. They tend to prefer shallow and wave-protected environments.

Captive Care:
Xenia is an interesting family of coral as far as hardiness is concerned. Some hobbyists cannot keep this coral alive and others find it to be a fast growing weed coral. Although there are some guidelines which can be followed to improve the chance of success, no one fully understands what will guarantee success with this coral. Even a colony that has been thriving in a tank for an extended period of time can quickly go into decline and die for no obvious reason.

Lighting:
Lighting should be bright.

Water flow:
Moderate, random turbulent or surging water flow is best.

Temperature:
Does well at normal aquarium temperatures. Blue Xenia will suffer at higher temperatures and tends to stay more stable at lower temperatures of 76º - 78ºF.

Aggressiveness:
Blue Xenia do not sting other corals, but if it reproduces quickly it will need to be kept pruned so as to avoid crowding out other corals.

Feeding:
Blue Xenia is photosynthetic and does not need to be fed specifically. It gains some nutrients from the water column. Addition of iodine supplement can assist this coral to stay healthy.

Tank Positioning:
Blue Xenia is best positioned high up in the tank to take advantage of strong water flow and lighting.