Yellow Tree Coral
Dendrophyllia cornigera
A branching, azooxanthellate coral that glows gold without needing strong light.
About
Yellow tree coral (Dendrophyllia cornigera) is one of those species that turns conventional reef-keeping assumptions on their head. Unlike the majority of corals kept in home aquariums, it contains no symbiotic algae, which means it gets nothing from intense lighting and actually does better under dimmer conditions. Its vivid golden-yellow polyps sit atop branching, tree-like skeletal structures that can form genuinely impressive colonies over time. In the wild it is found across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean, typically in deeper, darker reef-associated zones where it relies entirely on capturing food from the water column rather than photosynthesis. That feeding dependency is the central challenge for hobbyists. This coral needs regular, targeted feeding with meaty foods to stay healthy long term. Hobbyists who already dose their tanks or target-feed other non-photosynthetic corals will find the routine familiar, but newcomers to that style of keeping may find it demanding. Flow should be moderate, enough to deliver food and carry away waste without battering the polyps. It is reef safe and poses no threat to neighbors. Consider it an intermediate-level species. Not brutally difficult, but not forgiving of neglect around nutrition.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Yellow Tree Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Yellow Tree Coral aggressive?
- The Yellow Tree Coral is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Yellow Tree Coral eat?
- The Yellow Tree Coral is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Yellow Tree Coral reef safe?
- The Yellow Tree Coral is generally considered reef safe.