ECC Waving Hand Anthelia

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Coral Type: Soft Coral
• Lighting Requirement: Medium (150-250 PAR)
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Placement: Rockwork
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1"

Overview

Waving Hand Anthelia is a hardy, fast-growing soft coral known for its long, feathery polyps and constant waving motion. The polyps extend from thick stalks and sway continuously in the current, adding natural movement to the aquarium. This coral spreads quickly across rock surfaces and is best placed where its growth can be monitored and managed.

Note: This is not a WYSIWYG listing. Photo is a representation of the shape, size, and color of the coral you will receive.

Water Parameters

Corals thrive in stable water conditions with regular water changes. Routine water testing helps ensure these needs are consistently met.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.025-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 10-25ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

This coral prefers moderate light areas of the aquarium, ideally in the 150–250 PAR range. It can adapt to higher or lower light with proper acclimation but grows best with consistent, moderate lighting.

For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is invaluable for fine-tuning light levels across different corals, helping ensure each coral gets the right intensity for its needs. This careful setup supports the coral’s vibrant color and long-term health.

Ideal Tank Placement

This coral is most often placed on rockwork with open space around it. To prevent unwanted spreading, many reef keepers isolate it on its own rock island or in lower flow zones.

Water Flow Requirements

Moderate flow is ideal. Too much flow can prevent the polyps from fully extending, while too little can cause detritus to collect between the stalks.

Aggressiveness and Compatibility

This coral is peaceful, however it should not be placed where it is in direct contact with neighboring corals. Its fast growth can crowd out other species, so keep it away from slow growers.

Feeding and Nutrition

This coral primarily relies on photosynthesis for energy, but occasional feedings with Amino Acids like CoralAmino can enhance its growth and coloration.

Growth Rate and Pattern

This coral is a fast grower and spreads via encrusting its tissue onto the surrounding rockwork. It forms dense, waving colonies that can cover rocks and surrounding areas if not trimmed or isolated.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation is essential for corals to adjust to their new environment. For a full step-by-step process, refer to our Coral Acclimation Guide.