Lemon Laser Clove Polyp (Clavularia sp.)

The Lemon Laser Clove Polyp is a colorful soft coral known for its delicate, star-shaped polyps and bright yellow-to-lime coloration. Each polyp extends from an encrusting mat on slender stalks, producing a soft, feathery appearance and constant gentle movement as the colony responds to water flow. Under blue-spectrum reef lighting, the yellow and green pigments can display strong fluorescence, giving the colony its distinctive “Lemon Laser” appearance.

As an encrusting soft coral, Lemon Laser Clove Polyps can spread across nearby rockwork as new polyps develop from the connecting mat. Their combination of vivid coloration, fine polyp detail, and flowing movement makes them particularly useful for adding texture to areas of the reef where branching or large-polyp corals may appear too bulky.

Recommended Care

Scientific Name: Clavularia sp.
Common Name: Lemon Laser Clove Polyp, Clove Polyps
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Lighting: Low to Moderate — approximately 50–150 PAR
Water Flow: Moderate — indirect, varied circulation that keeps the polyps gently moving
Placement: Lower to Middle aquarium
Temperament: Peaceful, but potentially fast-spreading
Growth Form: Encrusting soft coral that forms expanding colonies of individual polyps
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; can benefit from fine suspended planktonic foods

Placement & Flow

Place Lemon Laser Clove Polyps on lower-to-middle rockwork where they receive consistent, indirect water movement. Moderate flow helps keep debris from settling between the polyps while encouraging the characteristic swaying motion of the colony. Avoid strong, direct current that keeps the polyps closed or continuously bent over.

Because Clove Polyps can spread across adjacent rockwork, placement should be planned with future growth in mind. For easier control, consider placing the colony on an isolated rock or small section of the aquascape where its encrusting mat can be managed before reaching neighboring corals.

Lighting

Lemon Laser Clove Polyps generally perform well under approximately 50–150 PAR. Moderate reef lighting is typically sufficient for maintaining healthy growth and coloration.

When introducing the coral to substantially brighter lighting, gradual acclimation is recommended. Blue-spectrum lighting can strongly emphasize the lemon-yellow, lime, and green fluorescent pigments, while a balanced reef spectrum provides a more natural representation of the coral's overall coloration.

Feeding

Lemon Laser Clove Polyps are primarily photosynthetic, receiving much of their energy from symbiotic dinoflagellates within their tissues. Direct feeding is generally unnecessary in a mature reef aquarium with appropriate lighting and nutrient availability.

The polyps can also capture very small suspended foods. Occasional additions of fine particulate coral foods and appropriately sized planktonic foods can provide supplemental nutrition. Heavy target feeding is not necessary.

With their brilliant lemon coloration, delicate star-shaped polyps, and constant flowing movement, Lemon Laser Clove Polyps are an excellent way to add both fluorescence and texture to a reef aquarium. Their encrusting growth can develop into an eye-catching colony, making them especially attractive for reef keepers looking for a colorful soft coral with plenty of movement.