Kenya Tree Coral - Capnella sp. - Small

Kenya Tree Corals (Capnella sp.) are so named because of their very tree-like appearance. They usually have greyish "trunks" with brown or, less commonly, green "leaves". These "leaves" - the polyps of the coral - are larger than most other similar corals. The coral itself has a sandpaper-like texture as opposed to the slippery feel of some similar corals.

Kenya Tree Corals are one of the easiest leather corals. They adapt well to most conditions, although they will have brighter colors under more intense lighting. They receive some of their nutrition from the photosynthetic algae in their tissues but will also filter-feed and absorb some nutrients and minerals from the water. The corals should be supplements with planktonic filter-feeder foods, especially under less intense lighting.

Capnella corals tend to be less aggressive than other leathers. They do shed a layer of their mucus periodically and can irritate some other sensitive corals - particularly large-polyped stony corals - so they should not be placed close together. Colonies can also grow very large fairly quickly under ideal conditions. Kenya Tree Corals do best in moderate flow but can tolerate higher conditions.

These corals are easy to propagate and "frag" in home aquariums. A piece of the colony can be cut off with a sharp blade or shears and allowed to re-attach to a hard base like a frag plug, piece of rubble rock or shell. Reduce the flow around the new frag until it attaches or use a piece of netting or fishing line to help the new piece stay in place.