Waving Hand Coral

Anthelia sp. spreads as a mat of slender stalks each topped with a feathery eight-tentacled polyp that waves gently in unison with even the lightest water movement — an evocative and mesmerising display. Its soft grey-white colouration and carpet-like growth habit make it ideal for filling negative space between more colourful corals on rockwork and sand interfaces. Completely photosynthetic and one of the most peaceful, neighbour-friendly soft corals in the hobby.

Place in low to medium light with gentle, indirect flow. Anthelia will spread across rockwork over time — provide space for expansion or frag to control. No target feeding required; absorbs dissolved organics and relies on zooxanthellae for energy. Maintain temperature 24–27°C, SG 1.023–1.025. Compatible with most peaceful corals as long as direct contact is avoided.