I think I killed my Xenia ...

Xenia are definitely hardy. My Decorator crab has become enamored with them and has covered himself with their polyps. I mean, he went to town with a tomahawk on them. However, I really don't care, if it makes him happy, as over the last week I have found another 20-30 baby polyps sprouting out where he's taken one. I expect they'll fall off of him too and spread around the tank. :

 

I wanted a decorator crab, but I didnt want him messing with all my coral. I've also found pulsating polyp head at the bottom of my tank in the sand. I didnt know this happened until I showed my byfriend and he told me about him reading it somewhere. I guess they just detach themselves and float around the tank, and ifnothing bothersit, it'll start growing there. It was strange to see a pulsating head at the bottom. still moving and all, its like a roach with its head cut off, and still alive. ha.

 

Surprisingly, he's left most things alone. He poked at the anemones, he poked at the frogspawn, but somehow knew the tentacles could not be attached to him and left them alone. He actually attached several Zoas to his legs as well. All things grow back in time, and since both of these actually grow quickly - he can do what he wants. Awesome crab, has a personality - when you come to the tank he will approach the glass and watch you, and I hand feed him from time to time.

 

From what I've heard its pretty hard to kill Xenia. I don't have experience with it because I've heard it can grow out of control, but I do like it.

 

I have 4 Xenia, and a brand new blue tip Xenia. They have shriveled up for a day or two b4 as well and than came back. I put them all about 10" from the light or closer and they are LOVING IT. Low flow area too

 

Xenia can be killed and when you do it you will know it becasue it MELTS AWAY... most likely it will open back up in a day or two. Mine sometime closes up for a couple of days then opens back up bigger and better....

 

Just an update.

The Xenia seemes to be pulling out of it. Not quite where it was yet but going in the right direction.

Whew x2

 

We had a snail turn our Xenia upside down. It freaked out for a little while, and then perked right back up.