Clavularia spp

Clavularia is a genus of colonial soft corals whose polyps are often described as star polyps (when open), or clove polyps (when closed).

There are 69 accepted species within the genus, which is easy to characterise by way of large, fluffy polyps with eight featherlike, pinnate tentacles.

The tissues of these octocorals contain tiny single-cell organisms known as zooxanthellae, which employ photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates that serve as a significant nutrition source for Clavularia corals. But these corals can also spread their tentacles to catch minuscule drifting zooplankton or even extract organic matter from the surrounding seawater.

Positively identifying species within this coral genus can be challenging due to their intricate morphological traits. DNA barcoding has emerged as a reliable method for species assignment, although this involves the extraction of a DNA sample from the colony.

They have no skeletal structure, and while his makes them more tolerant to variations in alkalinity than other corals, they remain sensitive to variations in pH, temperature and salinity.

Clavularia corals have gained popularity in the aquarium trade due to their striking appearance and relatively easy care in a controlled environment. This, however, has raised concerns regarding their sustainability in the wild. Over-harvesting can potentially lead to population declines and habitat degradation in their natural ecosystems. Conservation efforts, including sustainable harvesting practices and captive breeding programs, are essential to strike a balance between meeting the demand of aquarium enthusiasts and preserving coral populations in the wild.