Jumping Xenias?

[AuntKaren]

Here's one for ya.... We got a nice Pumping Xenia several weeks ago. It's happy in it's new home and thriving actually. We've noticed new growth on several stalks and a few stalks are attaching to nearby rocks.

Last week we noticed a whole stalk had moved from the upside down shell it came on onto a nearby rock. I didn't know they traveled! Then.... a couple days later it was no longer on the rock it had moved to. It shrank up into a ball and rolled down to the sandbed. I happened to notice a movement and watched it. THEN it moved around in an arc about 8 inches between a rock and our chili coral. It's open and pumping and happy. Since when have Pumping Xenias started jumping ship? Has anyone else had this experience?

:WHY:

[jojo22]

WELL in my experience I have found that this means the coral is not happy and really wants to come to my house to live. J/K i had one that spread but never a stalk that moved around. He may not be able to attach well so you could help the little fella out with a dab of superglue!

[Fatman]

Yea Ive noticed entire stalks go for a swim if they have nothing left to attach to in the area. Put it next to a rock or something and it will attack quick!

[carpenterwrasse]

as i understand it was attached and decided to move whats wrong with a change in scenery.. can not say i blame the lill fella for wanting to travel a little.

[greg97527]

weel ive noticed in my tank that they move around as well, but usually they will move in front of the current and let it push them over, then they will latch on and repeat the process. once they find their "sweet" spot then they will flourish. if you want a xenia that will spread or travel through your tank you can get the crustating xenia which will cover a rock like star polyps or the blue xenia.

[uscharalph]

Mine has moved from the rock that I bought it on to a musch bigger rock, but that's his home now.

[AuntKaren]

Well it landed between rocks where I can't get it but I see it poking it's little hands out waving to me so I suppose that one is happy. Now two more larger ones have moved to adjacent rocks. This is ticking off my PJ cardinals because they love hanging out in the Xenia forest LOL. The Xenias are growing too so I guess they like it here..... Sorry Jojo ..... teehee

[iVgOnMaD]

I had the same thing happen to me, I found only one little hand waving at me on the sand, I have no idea how it got there. I am starting to suspect I might have a coral biter in my fish tank.