Anthelia (Waving Hand Polyps)

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Pink Waving Hand Anthelia →

A pink-toned form of Anthelia with very long stalks and feathery polyps once given proper flow, frequently cited as one of the fastest-growing corals in the hobby. The pink coloration is most visible in the stems and polyp bases.

Tip: Give it room to spread and provide variable flow so the long stalks elongate and wave; it tolerates a wide range of light from low to fairly high. Because it grows explosively, isolate it on its own rock if you do not want it overtaking the tank.

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Blue Waving Hand Anthelia →

A blue-toned color form of Anthelia with the same long, eight-armed feathery polyps that wave in the flow. The bluish cast sets it apart from the more common pink, tan, and brown mats.

Tip: Mount low under modest light with gentle-to-moderate alternating flow; very intense light can wash out the blue tone, so keep it shaded relative to SPS placements. Like all Anthelia it is hardy and spreads quickly, so give it space.

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Blue Long Stem Waving Hand →

A blue-colored Anthelia imported and graded specifically as a long-stemmed form, with tall stalks topped by waving polyps that give pronounced movement. The long stems make it one of the more dramatic, taller-growing softies.

Tip: Place in an open spot with moderate variable flow so the tall stems can sway freely without being shaded or crowded by neighboring corals; medium light is sufficient.

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Orange Anthelia →

An uncommon orange-tinted Anthelia, where the polyps and stalks carry warm orange tones instead of the usual pink, blue, or brown. The orange form is among the harder Anthelia colors to find in the trade.

Tip: Keep under moderate light with gentle variable flow; like other Anthelia it spreads readily across the rock, so leave a buffer zone to other corals.

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WWC Waving Hand Anthelia →

World Wide Corals' aquacultured Waving Hand Anthelia shows a soft pink, blue, and purple blended coloration across large feathery polyps that sway constantly in the current. The big eight-tentacled "hands" give it a fuller, more dramatic motion than xenia, though unlike pulsing xenia the polyps do not pulse.

Tip: Place low-to-mid on the rock or sandbed under low light (roughly 30-100 PAR) with moderate-to-high alternating/variable flow to maximize the namesake waving motion. It is extremely hardy and grows fast, so leave a buffer to neighbors as it will spread over other corals.