Xenia (genus)

Taxobox
name = "Xenia"

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image_size = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Cnidaria
classis = Anthozoa
ordo = Alcyonaria
familia = Xeniidae
genus = "Xenia"
genus_authority = Lamarck, 1816
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Xenia blumi" Schenk, 1896 "Xenia hicksoni" Ashworth, 1899 "Xenia umbellata" Lamarck, 1816

"Xenia" is a genus of soft marine coral resembling a mushroom, with "arms" coming out from the top that end in many-fingered "hands". It is unique among corals because of its ability to use its "hands" to "pulse" or push water away from the colony in a constant,grabbing motion. This action, once thought to be used to catch ambient planton, is now thought to be used for respiration. It propagates well with marginal care and is very suitable for beginning reef aquarium hobbyists. Sally Lightfoot Crabs may clip arms from a "Xenia" causing it to emit a mucus. This mucus will very likely induce a bacterial feeding frenzy that will kill the "Xenia".