Tree Coral

About

Found on shallow reef slopes and walls off Australia, Litophyton carnatum is a soft coral in the family Nephtheidae, a group sometimes called tree corals for the branching, arborescent colonies many members form. It occurs from near the surface down to about 15 meters, suggesting it experiences a fairly wide range of light and surge conditions in the wild. In the aquarium, recreating that vigorous water movement is probably the single most important factor in keeping this coral happy. Nephtheids generally rely on strong flow both to deliver food particles and to keep their tissues firm and extended. Moderate lighting suits it well, making it accessible without requiring a top-end fixture. That said, Litophyton corals as a group have a reputation for being a step up from the beginner soft corals like leathers and toadstools. They can be sensitive to water quality and need consistent parameters to stay open and growing. This species is reef safe and poses no threat to neighbors, but it does benefit from a keeper who already has some soft coral experience under their belt. Relatively little has been written about this particular species in the hobby, so patience and observation will serve you better than any rigid care recipe.