Does Rhizotrochus need lighting to keep?

No, strong lighting isn't required since it lacks zooxanthellae. Instead, it needs regular feeding to make up for the nutrition it can't get from light.

How often does it need to be fed?

This varies by individual and setup, but like other tentacle-feeding corals, regular feeding is essential. Food should be delivered within reach of its tentacles.

Is this a good coral for beginners?

Rhizotrochus is considered a species for experienced keepers. Since it requires different care knowledge than photosynthetic corals, such as feeding management, it's best introduced after gaining some coral-keeping experience.

Can it be kept in a tank with other corals?

Since it needs consideration for water flow and placement, check the flow pattern and layout of your tank when deciding where to position it.

Is Rhizotrochus subject to CITES?

Rhizotrochus 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.

Rhizotrochus

Rhizotrochus is a solitary stony coral that lacks zooxanthellae, meaning each individual forms its own independent corallite rather than growing as part of a colony. Its most distinctive trait is the root-like projections extending from the base of the corallite, which anchor it to rock or sand and give the genus its name. Because it doesn't rely on photosynthesis, it spreads long, translucent tentacles to capture drifting food particles for nutrition. Strong lighting isn't required, but that means regular feeding is essential, and watching the tentacles extend at feeding time is part of its appeal. Its care calls for solid feeding know-how, which is why it's considered a species for experienced keepers.

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Rhizotrochus key facts

Care level: Advanced
Temperature: 24〜26℃
Diet: Azooxanthellate, so it depends entirely on feeding with zooplankton and chopped seafood.
Lighting: It has no zooxanthellae, so light is not needed. The polyp is 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 tentacles; too much and they cannot extend. It anchors with rhizoid processes, so set it on a flat, immobile surface.
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 recommends that non-photosynthetic corals be able to feed continuously, maintaining a standing population of large copepods in the system. Spot-feed after lights-out once the tentacles have opened.
Notes: Starvation is the commonest cause of death, and the polyp stops opening if feeding lapses. Uneaten food fouls the water, so water changes and mechanical filtration are needed. As a scleractinian it is on CITES Appendix II and international trade requires permits.

TraitsLPSStony coralSolitaryNon-photosyntheticCITES II

About Rhizotrochus

Rhizotrochus is a solitary, non-photosynthetic stony coral that anchors itself with root-like projections and feeds via long tentacles. It needs no strong lighting but demands careful feeding, making it best suited to experienced reef keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Rhizotrochus

1Feeding Is Essential
Since it lacks zooxanthellae, it can't rely on photosynthesis for nutrition. Its survival and growth depend on regular feeding, so food such as zooplankton needs to be delivered within reach of its tentacles.
2A Solitary Coral
Rhizotrochus has just one corallite and doesn't form colonies. Each individual exists as its own distinct organism rather than part of a larger structure.
3Root-Like Anchoring Structures
It extends root-like projections from the base of its corallite to anchor itself to rock or sand. This distinctive structure is actually the source of the genus name.
4Long, Translucent Tentacles
At feeding time, it extends long, translucent tentacles to capture food drifting in the water. Whether the tentacles are extended or retracted depends on the timing of your observation.
5No Strong Lighting Needed
Because it lacks zooxanthellae, it doesn't require the intense lighting setups other corals need. Instead, nutrition management centers on feeding rather than light.
6Prefers Gentle Water Flow
Since it relies on extending its tentacles to catch food, it tends to do better in gentler flow rather than areas hit by strong, constant current. Placement should be adjusted based on the flow pattern within the tank.
7Why It Suits Experienced Keepers
Managing feeding frequency and timing calls for different knowledge than caring for photosynthetic corals. For this reason, it's considered a species best suited to keepers with prior coral-keeping experience.

Frequently asked questions about Rhizotrochus

Q.Does Rhizotrochus need lighting to keep?: A.No, strong lighting isn't required since it lacks zooxanthellae. Instead, it needs regular feeding to make up for the nutrition it can't get from light.
Q.How often does it need to be fed?: A.This varies by individual and setup, but like other tentacle-feeding corals, regular feeding is essential. Food should be delivered within reach of its tentacles.
Q.Is this a good coral for beginners?: A.Rhizotrochus is considered a species for experienced keepers. Since it requires different care knowledge than photosynthetic corals, such as feeding management, it's best introduced after gaining some coral-keeping experience.
Q.Can it be kept in a tank with other corals?: A.Since it needs consideration for water flow and placement, check the flow pattern and layout of your tank when deciding where to position it.
Q.Is Rhizotrochus subject to CITES?: A.Rhizotrochus 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.