The Fine Grape Coral looks similar to its close relative the Frogspawn Coral, however it does not have branching polyps and each tentacle is perfectly straight with one contrasting tip. The Fine Grape Coral features brownish-green tentacles with yellow, cream, pink, lavender colored tips. It can be easy to moderate to care for, and since it is a big eater it grows rapidly if fed well. The Fine Grape Coral should be provided with sufficient lighting, and a moderate but turbid water flow. It will be the first to warn you that the water quality in the tank is less than acceptable. The Fine Grape Coral can propagate very quickly in captivity. It possesses a symbiotic relationship with marine algae, known as Zooxanthellae, and receives their nutrients and in return the coral provides shelter to the algae. Apart from this, the Fine Grape Coral may also capture planktonic organisms, food particles from the water column, and can absorb dissolved organic matter. This coral can be aggressive, especially when hungry, then their sweeper tentacles can reach 10 inches. Therefore, the Fine Grape Coral should be kept at a distance from other corals. It should be provided with calcium supplements, and with proper levels of salinity and stable pH that will give them a perfect environment to grow. The Fine Grape Coral thrives well in a temperature range of 74-83 degrees fahrenheit and specific gravity of 1.023-1.025. It looks beautiful under actinic lighting and creates a captivating addition to any reef tank. The Fine Grape Coral is found in muddy substrates and reef slopes to depths of 130 feet.
This coral resembles a mass of frog eggs, with numerous tiny balled tentacles branching out from the tissue.Corals are part of a biological group known as Cnidaria. Most Cnidaria have a mouth, or mouths, that opens into one big body cavity. Due to the lack of a true digestive system, this cavity acts in its place and after the food is broken down the nutrients are then sent through the rest of the body as food. There is also no excretory system; therefore the waste is sent back through the mouth or secreted into the surrounding water.Tentacles of varying size will usually surround the mouth of Cnidaria. Most Cnidaria have tentacles with stinging cells that can shoot tiny poison darts into their prey or can even be used as a defense mechanism. Some corals lack tentacles and instead cover themselves with a thin layer of mucus and use that to collect bacteria and plankton as food. Some corals even use both of these methods. Cnidaria can either be an individual animal or members of a complex colony. These Colony Corals share the food and nutrients taken in by each individual.Corals have tiny living organisms that actually live in their tissue. These are called zooxanthellae and they are the reason why such strong lighting is needed in the saltwater aquarium. These algae-like creatures provide the coral with oxygen and other nutrients that are produced during photosynthesis. During this process, the zooxanthellae take up carbon dioxide and provide nutrients to the coral.Corals can use two different types of defense mechanisms. One of which is a sweeper tentacle wherein the coral reaches its tentacles out to try to damage another coral with nematocysts. The other is when the coral releases a minute amount of toxin into the water to poison another coral within certain proximity. Most Hard Corals should not be placed within reach of another coral.
