Fireworks Clove Polyps

Fireworks Clove Polyps, Clavularia sp., are colonial octocorals known for their distinctive eight-tentacled, feather-like polyps and striking fluorescent coloration. This colony displays brilliant neon green polyp centers with elongated feathery tentacles accented by vivid orange-red fluorescence along the inner portions of the arms, creating the explosive “fireworks” appearance reflected in the name. Individual polyps extend from upright stalks connected by a spreading basal mat, allowing the colony to gradually expand across adjacent hard surfaces. Like other photosynthetic octocorals, Clavularia contains symbiotic dinoflagellates that provide much of its nutritional energy, while the feathery tentacles can also capture very fine suspended plankton and organic particles. Because species-level identification within Clavularia cannot be established reliably from external appearance alone, Clavularia sp. is the scientifically appropriate designation.

Care Guide: Clavularia sp. generally performs well under low to moderate reef lighting with moderate, variable water movement. Flow should be strong enough to keep debris from accumulating between the polyps while allowing the delicate tentacles to extend naturally rather than being flattened continuously. Place the colony on stable rockwork where it receives consistent light and circulation. Because clove polyps can spread across neighboring surfaces, placement on an isolated rock can make future growth easier to manage. Maintain stable temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Most nutrition is supplied through photosynthesis, though fine suspended plankton and dissolved organic material may provide supplemental nutrition. Allow some separation from slower-growing neighboring corals as the colony expands.