LiveAquaria® CCGC Aquacultured Blue Ridge Coral
The Blue Ridge Coral, sometimes referred to as the Blue Coral, is often mistaken for a small polyp stony (SPS) coral because it has a hard blue exoskeleton with long, thin polyps. It is actually an octocoral (soft coral) with growth forms that can be branching, plate-like, columnar, or encrusting. Its body is composed of calcium carbonate and iron salts, which give it its distinctive blue color. The polyps are typically brown or light blue.
This coral is peaceful and compatible with many other reef species when added to a well-established aquarium. It thrives under moderate to high lighting and requires a medium to strong water current.
It needs balanced levels of calcium, strontium, and iodine to maintain healthy growth and coloration.
| Key Features |
|---|
| Species: Octocoral (Soft Coral) |
| Growth Forms: Branching, Plate-like, Columnar, Encrusting |
| Color: Blue exoskeleton, brown or light blue polyps |
| Lighting: Moderate to high |
| Water Current: Medium to strong |
| Water Parameters: Requires calcium, strontium, iodine |
FAQ
What type of coral is the Blue Ridge Coral?
The Blue Ridge Coral is an octocoral, which is a type of soft coral, not a small polyp stony (SPS) coral despite its hard blue exoskeleton.
What lighting and water current conditions does it require?
It requires moderate to high lighting and a medium to strong water current to thrive.
What nutrients does it need for healthy growth?
The coral requires balanced levels of calcium, strontium, and iodine for proper growth and coloration.
Liam Dowd –
Added the Blue Ridge Coral to my established reef tank after reading the care instructions. It has grown steadily over the past few months and blends well with other corals. The blue exoskeleton stands out without being aggressive. Water parameters were stable and I’ve maintained regular dosing of calcium and iodine. It’s peaceful and adds visual interest.
Rose Terry –
This coral arrived healthy and has been doing well in my tank. I was cautious about adding it to a new setup, but it’s now thriving in a mature aquarium. The polyps are active and the color is vibrant. I keep the lighting strong and water flow consistent.
Bernadette Vaughan –
I’ve had several soft corals in my tank, and the Blue Ridge stands out for its unique blue structure. It doesn’t compete with other corals and grows slowly but steadily. I’ve maintained good water chemistry and it’s been stable for over six months.