Red Tree Coral
Primnoa pacifica
Also known as: Pacific red tree coral
A cold-water Pacific gorgonian that brings dramatic branching structure to the display tank.
About
Red tree coral (Primnoa pacifica) is a gorgonian native to the temperate waters of the Northeast Pacific, with a range extending along the Canadian coastline. In the wild it grows in cold, deeper reef zones, anchoring itself to hard substrate and extending its branches into the current to filter-feed on passing particulates. The branching form is the real draw here. Mature colonies develop an arborescent silhouette that gives a tank a sense of scale and three-dimensional structure that few other invertebrates can match. Because it hails from temperate waters rather than tropical reefs, it is worth noting that this species is not a typical reef-tank candidate suited to warm tropical systems. Keepers interested in cold-water or species-specific setups will find it the more appropriate context. It is sessile by nature, so placement matters: once it finds a good spot with steady moderate flow delivering food to its polyps, it prefers to stay put. Feeding with small particulate foods or liquid invertebrate diets is important for long-term success. The care level is listed as beginner-friendly, which likely refers to its tolerance for stable conditions rather than any particular hardiness in an unsuitable system.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Red Tree Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Red Tree Coral aggressive?
- The Red Tree Coral is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Red Tree Coral eat?
- The Red 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 Red Tree Coral reef safe?
- The Red Tree Coral is generally considered reef safe.