Tree Coral

About

Tree coral (Dendrophyllia arbuscula) is a non-photosynthetic, branching coral native to the Indo-West Pacific, where it grows across a remarkably wide depth range. From shallow reef slopes down to waters well beyond 200 meters. Because it contains no symbiotic algae, it gets all of its nutrition from the water column rather than from light, which makes it genuinely different from the majority of corals kept in reef tanks. In the aquarium this means low-light placement is not just acceptable but preferred, and the colony will not bleach from insufficient lighting the way photosynthetic corals do. The branching structure gives colonies a tree-like silhouette, and polyps typically extend most fully when flow is moderate and food is available. That feeding requirement is the main challenge here. Regular target feeding with meaty foods like broadcast zooplankton, copepods, or prepared coral foods is essential for long-term success. Skipping feedings consistently will cause gradual decline. This is not the best choice for a first reef tank, but for a keeper already comfortable with a feeding routine, it is a genuinely rewarding coral that occupies a visual niche quite different from the typical photosynthetic builds most reefers run.