Description
Buy Purple Kenya Tree Coral (Capnella imbricata) in South Africa from Silkworm Shop in Johannesburg. This coral is supplied as a frag, with a rich purple tree-like form.
About Kenya Tree Coral (Capnella imbricata)
The Kenya tree, also called tree coral or cauliflower coral, is a hardy soft coral that grows as a branching, tree-shaped colony covered in small feathery polyps. It is one of the easiest corals to keep and one of the fastest growers, and it can be fragged easily once it is established. A fantastic choice for beginner reef tanks.
Coral care at a glance
- Common name: Kenya Tree Coral (tree coral, cauliflower coral)
- Scientific name: Capnella imbricata
- Type: Soft coral
- Difficulty: Easy – suitable for beginners
- Lighting: Low to moderate (roughly PAR 30–100). It tolerates a wide range of lighting.
- Water flow: Moderate flow. Gentle to moderate movement keeps the tree swaying and clean.
- Placement: Lower to mid section of the aquarium. Give it room, as it grows quickly and can spread.
- Temperament: Peaceful, but it releases chemicals into the water, so run carbon or do regular water changes. Leave a gap from neighbours.
- Feeding: Photosynthetic, so it lives mainly off light. It also takes up dissolved nutrients and small particles from the water.
Recommended water parameters
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 (35 ppt)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Stability matters more than perfect numbers. Avoid sudden swings in alkalinity, temperature and salinity.
Acclimation recommendation
- Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15–20 minutes so the temperature matches. Keep the lights low while you do this.
- Dip the coral in a coral dip, following the dip’s instructions, to help prevent pests and hitchhikers. Use a separate container and never pour the dip or the transport water into your tank.
- Drip acclimate for 30–45 minutes. Place the coral in a clean container and slowly drip your tank water in, so salinity and pH adjust gently.
- Glue the frag onto a small rock or plug with coral glue or putty, in a lower-light spot with moderate flow.
- Be patient. A new frag may stay closed and shrunken for a few days, and can shed a thin film. This is normal. It should open and extend again once it settles.
Tips for success
- Place it once and leave it. Moving a coral repeatedly stresses it.
- Secure the frag on stable rock so it cannot be knocked over.
- Trim it back as it grows to keep it from shading or overtaking neighbouring corals.
These are general care guidelines. Every aquarium is different, so always observe your coral and adjust to suit your system.
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