Ultra Clove Polyps

Ultra Clove Polyps, Clavularia sp., are colonial octocorals recognized by their upright stalks and flower-like polyps, each with eight feathery tentacles. This colony displays vivid fluorescent green centers with bright yellow-green tentacles and contrasting lavender to pinkish-purple stalks, producing a striking two-tone appearance when fully extended. The polyps arise from a spreading basal mat that can gradually expand across adjacent hard surfaces. Clavularia corals contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide much of their nutritional energy, while their 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 most 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 prevent debris from collecting around the colony while still allowing the polyps to remain fully extended rather than being continuously flattened. Place on stable rockwork where the colony receives consistent light and circulation. Because clove polyps can spread laterally across nearby 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 provided through photosynthesis, although fine suspended plankton and dissolved or particulate organic matter may supplement their diet. Leave some space between the colony and slower-growing neighboring corals as it expands.