Why is Dendrophyllia considered suited to experienced keepers?

It relies entirely on feeding rather than photosynthesis, so it cannot be maintained without regular feeding. It also requires more attentive care than many corals, including feeding management and careful placement.

Is it okay to expose it directly to strong lighting?

Dendrophyllia dislikes strong lighting, so it's best placed in a shaded spot away from direct light. In the wild it lives in deep water and does not favor overly bright conditions.

How often does it need to be fed?

Since it lacks zooxanthellae, it cannot gain nutrition from photosynthesis. Foods like plankton need to be offered regularly, timed to when the polyps are open.

Can it be kept alongside other corals?

It can be kept with other corals, but as it grows its tentacles may reach nearby specimens, so leaving adequate space is recommended. Periodically reviewing the layout helps keep things safe.

Is it subject to CITES regulation?

Dendrophyllia is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Dendrophyllia

Dendrophyllia is a stony coral from the family Dendrophylliidae that lacks zooxanthellae, the symbiotic algae most reef corals rely on for energy. Its large cup-shaped corallites give rise to long, vivid orange or yellow polyps, creating a striking look in the tank. Because it gains no nutrition from light, all of its energy must come from feeding rather than illumination. In the wild it is found at depths reaching 900 meters, reflecting its tolerance for dim conditions and its aversion to strong lighting. The payoff for consistent feeding is a coral with a bold, colorful presence, making it a rewarding choice for experienced keepers ready for hands-on care.

View Dendrophyllia encyclopedia →

Find Dendrophyllia breeders(0)

Limited Time Offer

0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!

Breeder Wanted!

List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!

Free registrationNo monthly feesCommission on sales only

Br-Choku's 6 Transparency Standards

Our Breeder sellers disclose detailed care specs for all Coral listings. We prioritize Aquacultured/CB specimens, verify WYSIWYG photos, and provide difficulty ratings—avoiding wild-caught.

Aquacultured
WYSIWYG Photo
Difficulty Disclosed
Frag/Colony
Care Info Included
Trade name shown

All types Coral Frags SPS (Acropora etc.)Hydnophora (Horn Coral)Cyphastrea Stylophora Seriatopora (Bird's Nest Coral)Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral)Pavona Porites Merulina Montipora Cap Montipora Setosa

Browse all 210 breeds

Filter

Price

Region

Has show resultsChampion titles

Attributes

FragWYSIWYG (Actual photo)Aquacultured

0 items

Sort by

No listings match your filters

Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.

Find breeders Browse the Coral encyclopedia Clear filters

Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.

Browse other categories

Dogs Cats Marine Fish Tropical Fish Goldfish Medaka Reptiles & Amphibians Small Pets Birds Insects Exotic Invertebrates

Verified breeders (preview)

森信幸 Breeder

宮城県

朝比奈理一 Breeder

宮城県

Are you raising coral?

Apply as a breeder

Dendrophyllia key facts

Care level: Advanced
Temperature: 24〜26℃
Diet: Azooxanthellate, so it depends entirely on feeding with zooplankton, chopped seafood and similar items.
Lighting: It has no zooxanthellae, so light is not needed. The polyps are reluctant to open under bright lighting, so place it in shade or under an overhang.
Flow & Placement: Give it moderate flow so food reaches the polyps; too much and they cannot extend fully. Choose a spot you can reach for feeding.
Water Temperature & Quality: Water 24-26C, specific gravity 1.023-1.025 (salinity 33-35 ppt), KH 8-12, calcium 380-440 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm. Heavy feeding makes nutrient control essential.
Feeding: Success depends on feeding. AlgaeBarn argues these corals should be able to feed continuously and recommends maintaining a standing population of large copepods in the system. Spot-feed after lights-out so that every polyp is reached.
Notes: Starvation is the commonest cause of death: if feeding lapses the polyps stop opening and the branches die back. Uneaten food fouls the water, so frequent water changes and mechanical filtration are needed. As a scleractinian it is on CITES Appendix II and international trade requires permits.

TraitsLPSStony coralNon-photosyntheticNeeds feedingCITES II

About Dendrophyllia

A non-photosynthetic stony coral with long orange or yellow polyps from large cup-shaped corallites. It relies entirely on feeding rather than light, suiting experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Dendrophyllia

1Feeding, Not Light, Sustains It
Dendrophyllia has no zooxanthellae, so it cannot draw energy from lighting. Regularly offering foods like plankton is essential to keeping it healthy, and neglecting feeding will cause it to gradually decline.
2Dislikes Strong Lighting
In the wild it lives at depths reaching 900 meters and is not adapted to intense light. In the tank, avoid direct or overly strong lighting and place it in shaded spots, such as under rockwork.
3Polyps Open Mainly at Night
Most individuals extend their polyps fully once it gets dark, becoming active feeders at night. They tend to stay retracted during the day, so evening to nighttime is the best time to feed.
4Distinctive Cup-Shaped Skeleton
Its large cup-shaped corallites are a defining feature, from which long orange or yellow polyps extend. Skeleton shape and coloring vary between individuals, adding to the fun of choosing one.
5Place in Gentle Water Flow
Prolonged exposure to strong currents can make it harder for the polyps to open. Choose a spot with gentle flow that still carries food, allowing the polyps to extend naturally.
6Give It Space From Other Corals
As it grows, its tentacles may extend and contact nearby corals, so it's best to leave some space between it and other corals. Check the surrounding layout periodically after placement.
7Understand Why It's for Experienced Keepers
It is considered suited to experienced keepers because it needs different care than most corals, including regular feeding and attention to lighting. Before bringing one home, confirm you can maintain a consistent feeding routine in your daily schedule.

Frequently asked questions about Dendrophyllia

Q.Why is Dendrophyllia considered suited to experienced keepers?: A.It relies entirely on feeding rather than photosynthesis, so it cannot be maintained without regular feeding. It also requires more attentive care than many corals, including feeding management and careful placement.
Q.Is it okay to expose it directly to strong lighting?: A.Dendrophyllia dislikes strong lighting, so it's best placed in a shaded spot away from direct light. In the wild it lives in deep water and does not favor overly bright conditions.
Q.How often does it need to be fed?: A.Since it lacks zooxanthellae, it cannot gain nutrition from photosynthesis. Foods like plankton need to be offered regularly, timed to when the polyps are open.
Q.Can it be kept alongside other corals?: A.It can be kept with other corals, but as it grows its tentacles may reach nearby specimens, so leaving adequate space is recommended. Periodically reviewing the layout helps keep things safe.
Q.Is it subject to CITES regulation?: A.Dendrophyllia is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.