Chili Finger Coral

Macroalgae Farms

Chili Finger Coral

$93.49 $109.99
-15%

Key Features:
⭐ Vibrant deep red to scarlet chili-pepper-like finger structure with dramatic day/night behavior
• Deflated red form by day, spectacular white polyp bloom at night — two corals in one
• One of the hardiest NPS coral species — widely recommended as the gateway NPS specialty
• Available in three size variants — moderate-care NPS coral requiring 2-3+ target feedings weekly

Size: 1-2"
Low in stock

This product will be available for sale in 2 weeks, but you can pre-order now to receive 10% discount!

Estimated delivery between September 26 and September 28.

Chili Finger Coral
$93.49 $109.99
$93.49 $109.99
Choose option
Size: 1-2"
  • 1-2"
  • 2-4"
  • 4-6"

About this item

Chili Finger Coral

The Chili Finger Coral (Nephthyigorgia sp.) is one of the most distinctive, uniquely colored, and approachable NPS specialty corals in the entire saltwater hobby. Named for its striking resemblance to a bright red chili pepper, the Chili Finger displays vibrant deep red to scarlet finger-shaped branches with a knobbly textured surface that transforms dramatically at night — countless tiny star-like white polyps emerge across every surface when feeding, creating a stunning contrast between the crimson body and the delicate white polyp bloom that makes this species look like two completely different corals depending on the time of day. Unlike most soft corals that stay open during the day and close at night, the Chili Finger follows an inverted rhythm — appearing as a compact deflated red form when lights are on and blooming into full spectacular display in darkness or during target feeding, which makes it one of the most rewarding corals to watch during evening viewing hours.

What makes the Chili Finger such a coveted specialty coral is the combination of unique day/night behavior, distinctive chili-pepper aesthetic, and the fact that it is widely considered THE gateway NPS coral for reefers ready to graduate beyond photosynthetic species. Chili Finger Corals are non-photosynthetic (they lack the symbiotic zooxanthellae found in most soft corals), but they are widely recognized as one of the hardiest and most forgiving NPS species in the entire trade — the recommended starting point for reefers interested in NPS keeping, capable of surviving occasional missed feedings and adapting to a wider range of conditions than expert-tier NPS species like Scleronephthya. For reefers seeking to add NPS diversity to a mixed reef, learn NPS husbandry before scaling to more demanding species, or simply add a genuinely unique red centerpiece with dramatic day/night personality, the Chili Finger Coral delivers approachable specialty character without the extreme demands of most NPS specialty species.

Available Options

Small — 1 to 2 Inches

  • Entry-tier starter specimen
  • Best value NPS entry point
  • Ideal for testing NPS feeding routine

Medium — 2 to 4 Inches

  • Established mid-size specimen
  • Better stress reserve and display impact
  • Dramatic bloom at feeding time

Large — 4 to 6 Inches

  • Mature showpiece specimen
  • Full branching development and premium presence
  • Immediate centerpiece impact

Important: All size variants require the same NPS target feeding protocol (2-3+ times per week minimum) — smaller sizes do NOT have easier feeding requirements. Chili Finger is one of the more forgiving NPS species, but consistent feeding is required for all sizes to thrive long-term.

Care Information

💡 Lighting
Low — shaded areas, under overhangs, or lower rockwork		 🌊 Water Flow
Moderate to Strong INDIRECT flow — will not open in direct current
📍 Placement
Under overhangs, shaded ledges, or lower rockwork — secure firmly		 ⚙️ Care Level
Moderate — gateway NPS coral, hardier than most NPS species
🐠 Temperament
Peaceful — reef-safe with corals, fish, and invertebrates		 🍽️ Feeding
Non-photosynthetic — target feed 2-3+ times weekly with rotifers, brine shrimp, phyto

Special Considerations

Chili Finger Corals are non-photosynthetic and require regular target feeding to thrive long-term — while considered one of the hardiest and most forgiving NPS species (and widely recommended as the starting point for NPS keeping), they still require consistent feeding and appropriate placement to succeed. This is a moderate-care specialty coral suitable for reefers ready to graduate beyond entry-level photosynthetic soft corals into NPS husbandry. Target feed Chili Finger 2 to 3 times per week minimum (daily is ideal) with a rotating diet of live or frozen rotifers, baby brine shrimp, prawn eggs, phytoplankton, and fine particulate coral foods — feed when the coral is in its "bloom" state with polyps extended, which typically occurs during evening hours or when target feeding is initiated. Chili Finger follows an INVERTED day/night rhythm compared to most soft corals — expect the specimen to appear deflated and closed during daytime lighting hours and to bloom with countless small white polyps during darkness or feeding. This is completely normal and is the natural behavior of the species. Place Chili Finger in shaded low-light areas under overhangs, ledges, or on lower rockwork away from direct bright reef lighting — direct high-intensity light causes stress and can lead to algae growth on tissue. Provide moderate to strong INDIRECT water flow (chaotic/turbulent flow is ideal); the coral will NOT open in direct current, so aim powerheads at the glass or nearby rockwork rather than directly at the specimen. Chili Finger is completely peaceful and reef-safe with corals, fish, and invertebrates and has no sweeper tentacles or aggressive behaviors — allow ample space between it and neighboring corals to accommodate growth. Colonies may take days to weeks to fully open and settle after acclimation to a new system — this is normal, and initial closure or contraction should not cause alarm as long as the specimen appears healthy without tissue recession. Attach Chili Finger firmly with reef glue, putty, or by placing on a rubble base within its intended placement location.

🔍 Aquarium Insights

The Chili Finger Coral is the perfect gateway NPS specialty coral for reefers ready to expand beyond photosynthetic species:

  • Vibrant deep red to scarlet chili-pepper-like finger structure with dramatic day/night behavior — deflated red form by day, spectacular white polyp bloom at night
  • One of the hardiest and most forgiving NPS coral species in the entire trade — widely recommended as the starting point for reefers interested in NPS keeping
  • A distinctive moderate-care specialty coral that bridges beginner soft corals and expert NPS species — the ideal introduction to NPS husbandry with unique aesthetic character and rewarding evening bloom behavior for reefers ready to graduate beyond photosynthetic-only displays

Learn More

For detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our Species Library.

Livestock Disclaimer

Due to natural variation, the Chili Finger Coral you receive will be hand-selected from current availability within the selected size variant (1-2", 2-4", or 4-6") displaying the characteristic vibrant deep red to scarlet coloration with variable finger structure and knobbly texture. Exact size, branching configuration, and red color shade within the variant range cannot be guaranteed and are determined at packing time.

Photographs are representative examples. Individual specimens may vary in size, finger count, texture, and red color intensity.

Chili Finger Coral is non-photosynthetic and requires regular target feeding (2-3+ times per week minimum) to survive long-term. While considered one of the hardiest NPS species and widely recommended as the gateway NPS coral, buyers should still have basic NPS feeding capability and understanding of NPS husbandry principles before purchase. The coral naturally follows an inverted day/night rhythm — appearing deflated during daylight and blooming at night with white polyp extension. This is completely normal behavior. As with all live animals, proper acclimation and a suitable, established environment are essential for best results.

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