{"product_id":"heteropsammia-cochlea-walking-dendro","title":"Heteropsammia cochlea “Walking Dendro”","description":"\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🪸🐚 Heteropsammia cochlea “Walking Dendro” – Walking Coral – Similar to Photo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtraordinary Free-Living LPS Coral – Symbiotic Walking Coral – One of the Ocean's Most Fascinating Reef Invertebrates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🔹 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Stats\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour Form:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A fascinating free-living coral displaying a compact, rounded to irregular skeleton with fleshy polyps and delicate tentacles. Colouration can vary between individuals, typically featuring natural beige, brown, orange or yellowish tones. Its most remarkable characteristic is not its colour, but its extraordinary ability to move across the sandy substrate through a unique symbiotic relationship with a marine worm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Individual Specimen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Indo-Pacific\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 24–26 °C, dKH 7.5–8.5, pH 8.0–8.4, sg 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamily:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dendrophylliidae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLighting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Low to Moderate (PAR 40–120)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Low to Moderate, indirect\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Open Sandy Substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Small Mysis, Zooplankton and Meaty Coral Foods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eType:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Similar to Photo – Natural Variations Expected\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🧬 Overview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeteropsammia cochlea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, commonly known as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalking Dendro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalking Coral\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, is one of the most extraordinary and fascinating corals found in the ocean.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike conventional reef-building corals that remain permanently attached to rockwork, this remarkable species lives freely on sandy substrates and possesses an almost unbelievable ability: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eit can move across the ocean floor!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut the secret behind this unusual behaviour is even more fascinating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Walking Dendro forms a remarkable symbiotic relationship with a tiny marine worm, typically a sipunculan worm, that lives inside a cavity within the coral's skeleton.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRather than remaining fixed to the substrate, the coral is transported by its microscopic companion, which can slowly move the entire structure across the sand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis extraordinary partnership provides several advantages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe worm helps reposition the coral, preventing it from remaining buried in sediment or overturned, while the coral provides the worm with a protective calcareous shelter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is a beautiful example of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emutualism in the marine environment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, where two completely different organisms cooperate to survive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDespite its common name, the Walking Dendro is a true stony coral belonging to the family Dendrophylliidae.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts fleshy polyps extend delicate tentacles to capture suspended food particles and small planktonic organisms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike many familiar photosynthetic reef corals, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeteropsammia cochlea is generally considered non-photosynthetic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, relying on captured food rather than light for its nutritional requirements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts unusual biology, fascinating behaviour and unique ecological adaptations make it a particularly interesting addition to specialised reef aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor reef keepers who appreciate unusual marine life, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalking Dendro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is much more than a coral — it is a living demonstration of one of nature's most remarkable partnerships.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🧾 Similar to Photo – Individual Walking Coral\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou will receive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eone Heteropsammia cochlea specimen similar to those shown in the photographs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach coral is a unique living organism, and natural variations in size, skeletal shape, polyp colouration and overall appearance should be expected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe characteristic walking behaviour depends on the presence and activity of its symbiotic worm and may not always be immediately observable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelected for:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtraordinary free-living LPS coral\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFascinating symbiotic relationship with a marine worm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnique ability to move across sandy substrates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the most unusual coral behaviours in nature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemarkable example of marine mutualism\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful fleshy polyps and feeding tentacles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNon-photosynthetic feeding biology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal for specialised reef and NPS aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFascinating natural behaviour to observe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent educational and collector species\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimilar to Photo – Each specimen naturally unique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🍽️ Care \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalking Dendro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a non-photosynthetic coral that depends on external food sources to meet its nutritional requirements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike photosynthetic LPS corals, it does not rely on symbiotic algae for energy and therefore requires \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eregular supplemental feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer appropriately sized meaty foods such as finely chopped mysis shrimp, small zooplankton, enriched Artemia and specialised non-photosynthetic coral preparations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTarget feeding is particularly useful, allowing food to reach the coral's extended tentacles while minimising unnecessary nutrient accumulation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding several times per week is recommended, with frequency adjusted according to polyp response, food availability and aquarium nutrient management.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn dedicated NPS systems with regular planktonic feeding, the coral may also capture suspended food particles naturally.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003egentle to moderate indirect water movement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, sufficient to transport food towards the polyps and prevent sediment accumulation without displacing the coral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLighting is not a nutritional requirement, making this species suitable for shaded areas and aquariums dedicated to non-photosynthetic marine organisms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the most important aspects of its care is preserving the natural relationship between the coral and its symbiotic worm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid attaching the coral to rockwork, gluing its skeleton or placing it in locations where its movement is restricted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe worm requires access to the sandy substrate to perform its natural locomotion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The characteristic walking behaviour depends on a living symbiotic worm. Not every specimen will necessarily display movement, particularly if the worm is absent or inactive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📈 Optimal Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal Range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24–26 °C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1.024–1.026 SG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8.0–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlkalinity (dKH)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7.5–8.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCalcium (Ca)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e400–450 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMagnesium (Mg)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1300–1400 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate (NO₃)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2–15 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhosphate (PO₄)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e0.03–0.10 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLighting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow \/ Not Required for Nutrition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow to Moderate, Indirect\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular Target Feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlacement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpen Sandy Substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📍 Placement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeteropsammia cochlea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e should be placed directly on an open sandy area of the aquarium, ideally with fine to medium-grained substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike conventional LPS corals, this species should \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enever be permanently attached to rockwork\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, as its free-living lifestyle is essential to its natural behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow sufficient open space around the coral so its symbiotic worm can move and reposition the skeleton.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid placing it close to aggressive corals, particularly species with long sweeper tentacles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrong direct flow should also be avoided, as it may overturn or displace the coral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA dedicated sandy area within a mature reef aquarium or an NPS system provides an excellent environment for observing its fascinating behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith appropriate feeding, stable water parameters and suitable substrate, the Walking Dendro offers a truly extraordinary opportunity to observe a unique biological partnership in action.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🪸🐚 Heteropsammia cochlea “Walking Dendro” – Walking Coral – Similar to Photo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA coral that can actually walk! One of the ocean's most fascinating natural partnerships, Heteropsammia cochlea lives in symbiosis with a tiny marine worm that helps transport its skeleton across the sandy seabed. This extraordinary free-living, non-photosynthetic LPS coral combines unusual biology, fascinating behaviour and remarkable natural adaptations. A truly unique addition to specialised reef and NPS aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"freakincorals.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55749512069463,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0253\/1550\/8312\/files\/images_2.jpg?v=1793982170","url":"https:\/\/freakincorals.com\/pt\/products\/heteropsammia-cochlea-walking-dendro","provider":"freakincorals.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}