Nephthea tree coral (Litophyton arboreum) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Nephthea, Tree coral, Broccoli coral
Family
Nephtheidae
Origin
Red Sea and the western Indian Ocean to the Indo-Pacific; shallow reefs
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
Moderate to strong

Care

Litophyton arboreum is a soft tree coral with a thick trunk and branches topped with clusters of polyps, a little like broccoli or a small tree. It is usually grey, cream, pink or light brown. It can deflate and shrink at times, which is normal. Place it mid tank with moderate to high light and medium to strong flow. LiveAquaria lists a close relative, Paralemnalia, as moderate in care, with moderate to high light, medium to strong flow and mid-tank placement in an established system. Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.023–1.025 and 22–26 °C, with iodine, strontium and trace elements. Growth is moderate. Naming: it is commonly traded as "Nephthea"; many hobby "Nephthea" belong to Litophyton. Note: LiveAquaria covers only a relative, so the figures above are from that page, not from a source on this species. Not CITES-listed. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/paralemnalia-tree-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic. It also takes microplankton, baby brine shrimp or filter-feeder foods, which can help.

Breeding

Cut a branch with sharp scissors, then attach it to rock with a rubber band, mesh or toothpick. Colonies also drop small branches on their own, which can root nearby.

Compatibility and tank mates

Tree corals can release toxins and should have space from other corals. Run activated carbon and keep it away from SPS downstream.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.