Do corals close at night?

[jonleeroyix]

The first two pictures I took this morning and they were looking awesome very spread out, but when I got home they were both all curled up and sad looking is this normal?
one is a Xenia and I forgot the name of the other one

 

[mermaid_life]

Yes, your coral types will retract at night compared to day.

 

[jonleeroyix]

Yes, your coral types will retract at night compared to day.

Oh okay awesome! Just was a little worried haha thanks so much

 

[Gtinnel]

Looks normal to me. They should open back up in the morning

 

[jonleeroyix]

Looks normal to me. They should open back up in the morning

I checked this morning before I left for work and sure enough! They’re open and pretty again!

 

[Gtinnel]

I checked this morning before I left for work and sure enough! They’re open and pretty again!

They usually will close up every night. I've always assumed corals do that to help protect themselves from being eaten, and with there not being any light they have no reason to stay open, they don't gain any energy since there is no light.

 

[James_O]

Yes, corals do close at night. Pretty much all of my corals (mostly softies) close up or shrink at night.

Once the lights kick on for an hour or two, they will open up!