Tree Coral

About

Found in tropical Australian waters of the eastern Indian Ocean, Litophyton grandis is a sessile soft coral belonging to the family Nephtheidae. A group often called tree corals or cauliflower soft corals for the branching, arborescent shapes many members produce. The genus Litophyton was formally revised as recently as 2020, and grandis is among the Australian species catalogued in that work, which means hobbyist-specific data remains relatively sparse compared to more established soft coral genera. What we do know places it squarely in intermediate territory: not a beginner's coral, but not out of reach for a keeper with a well-established reef system and some soft coral experience under their belt. Like most nephtheids, it appreciates strong, randomized water movement to keep its tissues clear of detritus and to deliver the suspended particulates these corals rely on for nutrition. Moderate lighting suits it well. Nephtheids as a group can be finicky about acclimation and may sulk or shrink when conditions shift, so stable water quality and a patient approach during introduction are important. If you enjoy exploring less commonly kept soft corals with genuine wild character, this Australian species is an interesting one to seek out.