Heteroxenia [Heteroxenia]
Description
Heteroxenia is a genus of pulsating soft corals from the family Xeniidae, known for their distinctive rhythmic movement which aids in water circulation and nutrient uptake. These corals form branched colonies with feather-like polyps that can contract and expand. Heteroxenia species are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, where they inhabit shallow reefs. They engage in a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, which supplements their diet through photosynthesis.
Species

Elastica Soft Coral [Heteroxenia elastica]
View Details
Gorgonian Soft Coral [Heteroxenia gorgonia]
View DetailsTaxonomy
Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
---|---|
Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
Family |
Xeniidae
Xeniidae
|
Statistics
- Species 2