The Tree Coral is also referred to as the Nephthea Tree Coral, Cauliflower, Broccoli, or Branch Coral. The scientific name, Litophyton arboreum may also be given to this coral. It can be very difficult to identify exact species because there is so much variation even within each species.
It is a semi-aggressive coral and needs ample space between itself and others in the reef aquarium. Some can produce toxins which are harmful to other reef inhabitants. It is moderately difficult to maintain in the reef aquarium, and will require medium to high lighting combined with medium to strong water movement. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of iodine, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
The
symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provide some of the nutritional needs via the light driven process of photosynthesis. It will also require feedings of food such as micro-plankton,
baby brine shrimp, or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates. These should be regularly blown across the polyps.
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