How much lighting does it need?

Swiftia lacks zooxanthellae and cannot gain nutrition from photosynthesis. Frequent feeding matters far more than lighting intensity for its growth.

Can beginners keep this coral?

This species is considered suitable for advanced keepers. Because it requires frequent feeding and careful water quality management, it's best attempted after gaining marine aquarium experience.

What should I feed it?

It needs frequent feedings of fine particulate food such as small plankton. Consistency and frequency of feeding are key to keeping it healthy.

Are there legal restrictions on keeping it?

Swiftia is not subject to CITES.

Where should it be placed in the tank?

Since its branches are slender and fragile, it's best placed somewhere with moderate water flow and away from contact with other livestock or equipment.

Swiftia (Orange Tree Gorgonian)

Swiftia is a soft coral (gorgonian) found from Florida through the Caribbean, prized for the striking contrast between its slender, vivid orange-red branches and the white-to-pale-yellow polyps that emerge from them. Unlike many corals, it lacks zooxanthellae, so it doesn't rely on lighting for energy and instead needs frequent feedings of fine plankton to thrive. It's a rewarding choice for experienced keepers ready to commit to regular feeding routines.

View Swiftia (Orange Tree Gorgonian) encyclopedia →

Find Swiftia (Orange Tree Gorgonian) 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

Verified breeders wanted for Coral

Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.

Find breeders Browse the Coral encyclopedia

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

About Swiftia (Orange Tree Gorgonian)

Swiftia is a gorgonian with vivid orange-red branches and pale polyps. Lacking zooxanthellae, it requires frequent feeding and suits experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Swiftia (Orange Tree Gorgonian)

1Lighting Won't Feed It
Because Swiftia lacks zooxanthellae, strong lighting won't provide it with nutrition through photosynthesis. Setting up a reliable feeding routine matters far more than lighting choices.
2Frequent Feeding Is Essential
Regular feeding of fine plankton is essential, and both frequency and quality directly affect its health. Skipping feedings can cause the polyps to stop opening and the colony to decline.
3Best Suited to Experienced Keepers
The demands of feeding management and water quality maintenance place this species in the advanced category. It's best attempted by those already experienced with marine aquariums.
4Water Flow and Quality Management
Moderate water flow helps the slender branches capture food efficiently. Because feeding volumes are higher than for photosynthetic corals, careful water quality management is also important.
5Delicate Branches Need Care
The slender branches are fragile and can break easily, so care is needed during aquascaping or maintenance to avoid contact. Choose a placement that won't interfere with other livestock or equipment.
6Prepare Equipment Before Arrival
It helps to have feeding supplies (food storage and dosing methods) and flow-generating pumps ready before introduction. This lets you start a feeding routine as soon as the coral arrives.
7Enjoy Individual Color Variation
Individual colonies vary in the depth of their orange-red branch color and polyp shade, adding character to each specimen. Observing color and polyp extension closely helps you gauge its condition.

Frequently asked questions about Swiftia (Orange Tree Gorgonian)

Q.How much lighting does it need?: A.Swiftia lacks zooxanthellae and cannot gain nutrition from photosynthesis. Frequent feeding matters far more than lighting intensity for its growth.
Q.Can beginners keep this coral?: A.This species is considered suitable for advanced keepers. Because it requires frequent feeding and careful water quality management, it's best attempted after gaining marine aquarium experience.
Q.What should I feed it?: A.It needs frequent feedings of fine particulate food such as small plankton. Consistency and frequency of feeding are key to keeping it healthy.
Q.Are there legal restrictions on keeping it?: A.Swiftia is not subject to CITES.
Q.Where should it be placed in the tank?: A.Since its branches are slender and fragile, it's best placed somewhere with moderate water flow and away from contact with other livestock or equipment.