{"product_id":"chili-coral","title":"Chili Finger Coral","description":"\u003ch2\u003eChili Finger Coral\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chili Finger Coral (\u003cem\u003eNephthyigorgia sp.\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the most distinctive, uniquely colored, and approachable NPS specialty corals in the entire saltwater hobby. \u003cstrong\u003eNamed 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\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat 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. \u003cstrong\u003eChili 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\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #1a5a61;\"\u003eAvailable Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: table; width: 100%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 8px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: table-row;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: table-cell; width: 33.3%; background: linear-gradient(180deg,#f6fbf8 0%, #edf7f2 100%); border: 1px solid #d4e6e3; border-radius: 12px; padding: 13px 15px; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #1a5a61; margin: 0 0 6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall — 1 to 2 Inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.1rem; font-size: 13px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEntry-tier starter specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest value NPS entry point\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for testing NPS feeding routine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: table-cell; width: 33.3%; background: linear-gradient(180deg,#f6fbf8 0%, #edf7f2 100%); border: 1px solid #d4e6e3; border-radius: 12px; padding: 13px 15px; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #1a5a61; margin: 0 0 6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium — 2 to 4 Inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.1rem; font-size: 13px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEstablished mid-size specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBetter stress reserve and display impact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDramatic bloom at feeding time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: table-cell; width: 33.3%; background: linear-gradient(180deg,#f6fbf8 0%, #edf7f2 100%); border: 1px solid #d4e6e3; border-radius: 12px; padding: 13px 15px; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #1a5a61; margin: 0 0 6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge — 4 to 6 Inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.1rem; font-size: 13px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMature showpiece specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull branching development and premium presence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImmediate centerpiece impact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 13px; color: #607078; margin-top: 10px; font-style: italic;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #184f69;\"\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 10px 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50%; background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e💡 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLow — shaded areas, under overhangs, or lower rockwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50%; background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🌊 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eModerate to Strong INDIRECT flow — will not open in direct current\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e📍 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnder overhangs, shaded ledges, or lower rockwork — secure firmly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e⚙️ \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eCare Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eModerate — gateway NPS coral, hardier than most NPS species\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🐠 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeaceful — reef-safe with corals, fish, and invertebrates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🍽️ \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNon-photosynthetic — target feed 2-3+ times weekly with rotifers, brine shrimp, phyto\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #6a6b58;\"\u003eSpecial Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #faf8ee; border: 1px solid #e6e1c9; border-left: 4px solid #b7ad78; border-radius: 10px; padding: 13px 15px; color: #22323a;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChili 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #123844;\"\u003e🔍 Aquarium Insights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chili Finger Coral is the perfect gateway NPS specialty coral for reefers ready to expand beyond photosynthetic species:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVibrant 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA 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\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #123844;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003eFor detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/pages\/species-library\" style=\"color: #1d5c78;\"\u003eSpecies Library\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"margin: 24px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f6f8f9; border: 1px solid #dde4e7; border-left: 4px solid #8a98a0; border-radius: 10px; padding: 13px 15px; font-size: 13px; color: #607078; line-height: 1.65;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: #46545b;\"\u003eLivestock Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 8px 0 10px;\"\u003eDue 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\"\u003ePhotographs are representative examples. Individual specimens may vary in size, finger count, texture, and red color intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChili 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macroalgae Farms","offers":[{"title":"1-2\"","offer_id":49636565483779,"sku":"I15","price":93.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-4\"","offer_id":49636565516547,"sku":null,"price":101.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-6\"","offer_id":49636565549315,"sku":null,"price":110.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/7151\/7699\/files\/hf_20260917_012241_cd381541-3bf4-4230-80bc-3311162c2b47.jpg?v=1789608965","url":"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/products\/chili-coral","provider":"Macroalgae Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}