Indo-Pacific - Islands of the Indopacific including Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Medium to high lighting would serve this species well. Anthelia can be kept under high output fluorescent bulbs, but may benefit from more intense lighting. It will likely change its coloration depending on the lighting provided. Anthelia may require a longer acclimation period to intense lighting such as metal halides.

We recommend keeping the coral in a relatively low flow area of the reef display. Too much flow could cause this particular species to become stressed and not extend fully.

Anthelia derives much of its energy from the products of their zooxanthellae. It is not known to actively "feed" on anything, but rather passively absorb dissolved organics from the water column directly through its "skin."

This genus for the most part has been propagated extensively in captivity and is an excellent candidate for aquaculture. It is reasonable to believe that a sustainable harvest can be achieved in time.

Waving Hand Anthelia from Tidal Gardens on Vimeo.