Xenia blumi Schenk, 1896
Xenia hicksoni Ashworth, 1899
Xenia umbellata Lamarck, 1816
Xenia is a genus of photosynthetic soft marine coral resembling a mushroom, with "arms" coming out from the top that end in many-fingered "hands". It is unique among corals because of its ability to use its "hands" to "pulse" or push water away from the colony in a constant, grabbing motion. This action is unique to Xenia species, and was once thought to be used for catching ambient plankton, but is now thought to be used for respiration.
Species in this genus propagate well with marginal care and are very suitable for beginning reef aquarium hobbyists. Sally Lightfoot Crabs may clip arms from a Xenia, causing it to emit mucus. This mucus will very likely induce a bacterial feeding frenzy that will kill the Xenia.
Video of pulsating xenia