Branching Green Star Polyp
Branching green star polyp: the gorgeous polyp coral that is both adored and despised by reef hobbyists. But what exactly is this organism, and why does it stir up so much debate in the reefkeeping community?
The Pain Points
For starters, branching green star polyp (Briareum asbestinum) is a prolific grower. Left unchecked, it can quickly overtake a reef tank and hinder the growth of other corals. Its expansive nature can make it difficult to control, and removing it from a tank can be a challenging and time-consuming process. This tenacity has earned it a reputation as a "nuisance" coral by some.
The Target
So why bother with branching green star polyp at all? Well, for one, its brilliantly colored polyps can bring a stunning pop of green to a reef tank. Additionally, it's known for being hardy and adaptable, making it a great choice for beginner reefkeepers or those looking to fill out a tank quickly.
The Main Points
Overall, branching green star polyp is a double-edged sword in the reefkeeping world. While its beauty and hardiness make it an attractive option for many, its growth rate and potential to become invasive can create headaches for others. Proper research and careful consideration should be taken prior to incorporating this coral into a reef tank.
Personal Experience
As a reef hobbyist, I've had my fair share of experiences with branching green star polyp. While it's certainly a visually striking coral, I've found it to be difficult to control in smaller tanks. At one point, I had to completely overhaul my tank to remove B. asbestinum that had become invasive and was smothering other corals. That being said, when properly managed, it can be a wonderful addition to a reef tank.
Management Techniques
If you do decide to incorporate branching green star polyp into your reef tank, there are ways to manage its growth and prevent it from becoming invasive. One method is to keep it trimmed back regularly, either by removing portions of the coral or directing flow to keep it from expanding too rapidly. Using a turkey baster to suck up loose polyps on a regular basis can also help prevent them from taking root elsewhere in the tank.
Propagation
If you want to spread the love of branching green star polyp to other tanks or fellow hobbyists, propagation is a relatively simple process. Simply cut off a portion of the coral and place it in a new location in the tank. Over time, it will attach itself and begin to grow.
Environmental Considerations
It's important to note that branching green star polyp is a non-native species to many environments and can have negative impacts on local ecosystems if introduced into the wild. If you plan on disposing of this coral, it should never be released into natural bodies of water. Instead, it should be disposed of in the trash.
Question and Answer
Q: What conditions does branching green star polyp require to grow successfully?
A: B. asbestinum prefers moderate to high lighting and moderate to strong flow. It can be fed small particulate foods for extra growth and coloration.
Q: Can branching green star polyp be kept with other coral species?
A: Yes, B. asbestinum can coexist with many other coral species. However, it should be monitored regularly to prevent it from overgrowing and outcompeting other corals for space and resources.
Q: How do I safely remove branching green star polyp from my tank?
A: Removing B. asbestinum can be a tedious process. It's best to use a scraper or blade to carefully cut the coral away from where it's attached to the rock or substrate. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection, as the coral can release skin-irritating toxins when disturbed.
Q: Does branching green star polyp have any predators?
A: Some reef-dwelling fish, such as certain species of butterflyfish and angelfish, will feed on B. asbestinum. However, they may not be a reliable solution for controlling its growth in a tank.
Conclusion
Branching green star polyp is a coral species that elicits strong opinions from the reefkeeping community. While its striking color and hardiness make it an attractive option for many, its invasive nature has earned it a bad reputation with others. Ultimately, if you decide to incorporate this coral into your tank, proper research, careful consideration, and active management will be key to keeping it healthy and preventing it from overtaking your reef.
Gallery
Branching Green Star Polyps – Savage Reef
Photo Credit by: bing.com / branching polyps
Branching Green Star Polyps – Savage Reef
Photo Credit by: bing.com /
Branching Star Polyp Frags For Sale (Briarium Sp.) - Reef Central
Photo Credit by: bing.com / branching star polyp frags sp ontario pickup local only
Branching Green Star Polyps: Trash Or Treasure? | Corals | AlgaeBarn
Photo Credit by: bing.com / polyps branching algaebarn
Branching Green Star Polyps, Aka Deadman's Fingers (Briareum Asbestinum
Photo Credit by: bing.com / branching star green