Knopia Polyp

Knopia is a small soft coral that was scientifically described in 2007 and is sold in the hobby as "jasmine" or "daisy" polyps. Numerous short polyps rise from a thin basal mat that spreads over rock. Each polyp has eight tentacles; these are not distinctly feathery like those of Clavularia, and because their side projections are fused they look smoother. The polyp centers glow bright green under blue light. Since it was confused with clove polyps (Clavularia) for a long time, sellers may still use the two names interchangeably.

• Moderate light (about 100–150 PAR); it adapts over time to lower and higher light.
• Moderate to strong, indirect flow; detritus should not build up on the basal mat.
• The middle zone of the rockwork; since it spreads quickly, a separate rock is the best place.
• Salinity 1.024–1.026, KH 7–11 dKH, calcium 400–450 mg/L; it tolerates fluctuations well.

It is photosynthetic and does fine on light alone. Very fine powdered food or phytoplankton can be offered occasionally; it is not required.

It does not sting its neighbors or engage in chemical warfare, but its basal mat can advance quickly across the rock and wrap around the bases of other corals. Keep it on a separate rock or leave at least 10–15 cm of clear space around it, and trim the spreading edges regularly. Dwarf angelfish and butterflyfish may pick at the polyps.