Blue rosetail (King Brocolli Rose)

A tiny rose with broccoli frills, ruling alkaline waters with an aggressive streak.

King Broccoli Rose: a bold, aggressive marine showpiece with rose-tipped, broccoli-like branches. Requires stable high pH — best suited to experienced reefkeepers.

• Water conditions: The King Broccoli Rose demands a mature, stable marine environment with a high pH, ideally 8.1–8.4. Keep salinity at 1.023–1.025 SG, temperature at 24–26°C, alkalinity at 8–12 dKH, calcium at 400–450 ppm and magnesium at 1300–1400 ppm. Stability matters far more than chasing exact numbers, so use an auto top-off unit with RO water, test pH and alkalinity regularly, and avoid sudden swings that can stress this specimen. Provide moderate, indirect water flow — enough to keep the branches clean and supplied with nutrients without blasting the tissue — plus strong oxygenation and low nutrients (nitrate under 10 ppm, phosphate under 0.05 ppm) to discourage algae from settling on the delicate structure.
• Suitable tank mates: Because this is an aggressive specimen, choose companions that can hold their own and give it room. Robust LPS and SPS corals can work if spaced at least 15–20 cm away, while fish such as clownfish, tangs, dottybacks, hawkfish and larger dwarf angelfish are usually safe with careful observation. Avoid seahorses, pipefish, small shrimp, slow-feeding fish, delicate fairy wrasses and tiny gobies that may be bullied or stung. Never place it in a nano tank or a peaceful species-only setup. Run activated carbon to reduce chemical aggression, and keep a watchful eye during the first two weeks as territories are established.
• Feeding habits: The King Broccoli Rose gains energy from its symbiotic zooxanthellae under appropriate lighting, but it thrives when offered meaty foods two or three times weekly. Target-feed small pieces of mysis, enriched brine shrimp, chopped krill, plankton and quality coral foods directly onto the extended tentacles, preferably after lights-out when feeding responses are strongest. Keep portions small enough to be fully consumed within a few minutes, and siphon away any uneaten food to protect water quality. A varied diet supports colour, growth and resilience, and occasional spot-feeding helps the specimen compete in a busy reef tank.
• Care requirements: Acclimatise slowly using the drip method over 45–60 minutes, then place the specimen on stable rockwork in moderate lighting (roughly 100–200 PAR) and moderate indirect flow. Leave generous space for growth and for its sweeper tentacles, which can extend several centimetres at night. Handle with gloves, avoid pressing or damaging the tissue, and consider a coral dip and a short quarantine period to screen for pests. Maintain consistent pH, alkalinity and salinity, keep the skeleton or base free of detritus, and observe nightly for aggression toward neighbours. With stable parameters and thoughtful placement, the King Broccoli Rose is a hardy, eye-catching centrepiece for the experienced reefkeeper.
• Temperament and behaviour: True to its aggressive reputation, this specimen is territorial and can deploy stinging sweeper tentacles to defend its space. It is not a community-friendly coral for tight layouts, so plan the aquascape around its eventual footprint. Watch for signs of chemical warfare such as retracted polyps or bleaching in nearby corals, and separate specimens if conflict persists. Its bold presence makes it ideal for a larger reef display where it can be admired without compromising more sensitive inhabitants.
• Size, growth and long-term planning: Supplied at approximately 5–6 cm, the King Broccoli Rose has room to grow and will fill out considerably under good conditions. Growth is moderate when parameters are stable, so choose a permanent position with future expansion in mind. Avoid repeatedly moving the specimen, as this delays settling and can cause stress. Regular water changes, consistent testing and a sensible stocking plan will keep this striking livestock healthy and colourful for years to come.