Tree Coral

About

Found in the Red Sea, Litophyton acuticonicum is a soft coral belonging to the family Nephtheidae. A group often called tree corals or cauliflower corals for the branching, lobed forms they develop when fully extended. Like many nephtheids, this species is non-photosynthetic or only weakly reliant on zooxanthellae, which means it depends heavily on particulate food and dissolved organics swept in by strong water movement rather than light alone. That's an important distinction from the zooxanthellate corals that dominate most reef displays. In the aquarium, it takes on a soft, arborescent shape with pointed lobes, acuticonicum referring to those sharply tipped projections, and can be a genuinely interesting centerpiece if you're willing to meet its needs. High flow is essential, both for delivering food and for keeping the colony expanded and healthy rather than deflated and retracted. Moderate lighting is sufficient since photosynthesis isn't its primary energy strategy. Feeding with appropriately sized plankton or coral foods is not optional. It's the core of keeping this coral alive long-term. This is a species better suited to intermediate or experienced reefers who are already running a well-established system with consistent feeding routines.