Lemon-Lime Clove Polyps

Description:

• Scientific Name: Clavularia spp.

• Common Names: Clove polyps, clove coral, daisy polyps

• Appearance:

  • Clove polyps form mats or clusters of small flower-like polyps.

  • Each polyp typically has 8 feathered tentacles (a trait of soft corals in the Octocorallia subclass).

  • Colors range from green, purple, brown, pink, or even metallic hues depending on lighting and morph.

  • They often grow on a purple or tan mat-like stolon base that spreads across rock or substrate.

  • Their pulsing movement in the current makes them visually captivating.

Care Level: Easy

Clove polyps are great for beginners due to their hardy nature. Here's how to keep them healthy:

Do:

• Provide moderate to strong lighting – They contain zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) and rely on photosynthesis for energy.

• Maintain good water quality – Regular water changes and stable parameters are important.

• Give them room to grow – They can spread quickly and may overtake slower-growing corals.

• Use reef-safe supplements – Calcium, magnesium, and iodine may benefit them.

Avoid:

• Overcrowding with aggressive corals – Clove polyps don't have strong defenses and can be stung by LPS or some SPS corals.

• Too much shading – They need light to thrive.

• High nutrient loads – While not ultra-sensitive, high nitrates or phosphates can stunt growth.

Propagation & Growth:

• Clove polyps spread via stolons across surfaces. You can frag them by cutting a portion of the mat and securing it to new rock with super glue gel or a rubber band.

• Growth is fast under optimal conditions, so keep an eye on their spread.

Potential Issues:

• Pests like nudibranchs or flatworms may target them.

• Overgrowth – Can become invasive if unchecked.

• Sudden retraction – Can indicate poor water quality or irritation from neighbors