Litophyton chabrolii, Nephthea, Tree coral, Broccoli coral, Nephthea tree coral
Family
Nephtheidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific and Red Sea; reef slopes
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
Moderate to high
Flow
Medium to strong
Care
A soft tree coral with a fleshy trunk and branches ending in dense clusters of polyps, a little like broccoli. Colours are usually cream, tan, brown or green. Naming: in a 2016 revision most Nephthea species were moved into Litophyton, so this coral may also be listed as Litophyton chabrolii. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. The figures follow LiveAquaria's Paralemnalia tree coral, a relative in the same family. Placement: middle of the rockwork, with room to branch. Light and flow: moderate to high light and medium to strong flow. Water: best in an established reef with stable conditions; iodine and trace elements support it. Tree corals often collapse for a while after being moved and can be sensitive to shipping. Growth: moderate. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/paralemnalia-tree-coral). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic (zooxanthellae). Micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp or filter-feeder foods can be added.
Breeding
Cut a branch with a scalpel or scissors and hold it against rubble with a rubber band or mesh until it attaches. Colonies may also drop small branches that settle on their own.
Compatibility and tank mates
Can release chemicals that stress stony corals; run carbon and give it 10–15 cm of space.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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