King Snake Coral: An Overview
King Snake Coral is a popular species of coral that is found in the Pacific Ocean. It belongs to the category of soft corals and is named so because of its light green or yellow coloration, which is similar to the colors of the King Snake.
The King Snake Coral is a beautiful and captivating coral that is known for its intricate patterns and shape. It is found in different shapes such as branching, encrusting, and plating forms. The branching form of King Snake Coral is one of the most unique and attractive shapes.
It grows in shallow waters and is found in various locations such as Fiji, Indonesia, and Tonga. The King Snake Coral is commonly seen in the aquarium trade due to its stunning visual appeal and hardiness in captivity. It is highly appreciated by aquarium enthusiasts for its color and texture.
Appearance and Coloration
The King Snake Coral is a soft coral, which means it has a soft texture instead of a hard skeleton. It is also known as a leather coral due to its texture. The polyps of the King Snake Coral are small and located on top of the branches. The polyps extend their tentacles to capture plankton and other small organisms for food.
The coloration of King Snake Coral varies from light green to yellow with unique patterns. The patterns on the coral are mottled, with pink, purple, and white colors making it more appealing. The bright blanket of coloration makes the coral highly attractive to aquarium keepers.
King Snake Coral Care
King Snake Coral is a popular coral for aquariums as it is easy to care for and maintain. It thrives in a wide range of water parameters and lighting conditions.
The lighting conditions required for King Snake Coral range from moderate to high levels of light with metal halides or T5 lighting. It is essential to keep the lighting conditions stable, as fluctuations can lead to problems with the coral.
Similarly, keeping the water parameters stable is vital for the health of King Snake Coral. The recommended temperature range is between 76°F to 82°F, pH levels should be kept between 8.0-8.4, and salinity should be maintained between 1.023 to 1.025.
King Snake Coral requires moderate water flow, not too heavy, and not too low. It is ideal to place the coral in an area of the aquarium where there is moderate water flow. The placement of King Snake Coral should be such that it is not exposed to direct flow from pumps, as it can damage the coral.
It is essential to maintain good water quality with the use of a protein skimmer and regular water changes. The King Snake Coral feeds by capturing small organisms from the water, but it can also be fed with supplements containing phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Comparison with Similar Corals
There are other types of soft corals that are similar to King Snake Coral, but there are few significant differences between them.
Green Star Polyps Coral: The Green Star Polyps Coral is a soft coral that also has a similar light green color and is branching. The polyps of the Green Star Polyps Coral are large, and the coral grows quickly in a wide range of lighting and water conditions.
However, there are some differences between the Green Star Polyps Coral and the King Snake Coral. The Green Star Polyps Coral is more resistant to damage and disease, but it can also be more aggressive, growing over other corals.
Toadstool Coral: Toadstool Coral is another soft coral that is similar to the King Snake Coral. It is named so due to its resemblance to a toadstool’s shape. The toadstool coral’s color ranges from brown to yellow, and it is slower-growing than the King Snake Coral.
The shapes of both corals are also different, with the Toadstool Coral having a mushroom-like shape, while the King Snake Coral has a branching form. The needs of the Toadstool Coral are similar to those of the King Snake Coral, but it requires less strong lighting conditions and is best kept in low to moderate lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can King Snake Coral be kept with other corals?
A: Yes, King Snake Coral can be kept with other soft corals in a reef aquarium. However, it is important to ensure that the other corals are not too aggressive.
Q: Does King Snake Coral require a lot of light?
A: King Snake Coral requires moderate to high levels of light. It is essential to keep the lighting conditions stable as fluctuations can lead to problems with the coral.
Q: Is King Snake Coral easy to care for, and can it be kept by beginners?
A: King Snake Coral is easy to care for and can be kept by beginners. It thrives in a wide range of water parameters and lighting conditions.
Conclusion
King Snake Coral is a beautiful soft coral that is popular among aquarium enthusiasts. Its unique coloration and branching form make it highly attractive. King Snake Coral is easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of lighting and water parameters. It is also compatible with other soft corals but must be placed in an area of the aquarium with moderate water flow.