Xenia size

[Morpheus77]

So I have a frag of xenia about 4 months old, and they have been growing outwards, but not upwards, it has increased twice it's size in the 4 months, but just not growing upwards, is this normal? Is all pulsating xenia the same, or is their another type that stays miniature in size?

 

[fish farmer]

Yes there are several.
Xenia elongata, which is more weedy and extends more.
Xenia umbellata, which is more bushy and compacts like cauliflower heads when it closes at night.

There are other species as well I believe. You look like you have a more compact variety.

 

[Morpheus77]

Ok, thanks for the info, I have a 2.5 nano reef tank, may need to move these over to that tank, it would fit that size. I want the stuff that grows 3" in length.

 

[Totlxtc]

I think light plays a part too. In the one tank I only have a Hydra 32 over 2/3 of the tank. Other 1/3 has no light. The xenia under the light is short. Where the ones with no real light are 6" tall.

 

[Morpheus77]

I think light plays a part too. In the one tank I only have a Hydra 32 over 2/3 of the tank. Other 1/3 has no light. The xenia under the light is short. Where the ones with no real light are 6" tall.

Interesting. Been looking for the elongata online, and seems to be hard to find surprisingly. But I have plans to move my current xenia to the pico, will keep the low light in mind when I do. I want the tall xenia, so see what happens.

 

[Jim Gomoll]

I'm with Totlxtc on lighting. Have same type of xenia in my 75g display and 7g QT. Different light set up, depth, softy placement. In the QT they grew out allot, 2"+ extension and multiplied vs those in display.

Water quality is another factor for growth I would look into. Although my QT xenia grew out allot more, I noticed in my neglect the past month in maintaining good water quality the xenia has shrunk allot and has lost its purple color. 2" extensions down to 1/2-1"