Source: Wikimedia Commons
Litophyton
BeginnerLitophyton spp.
An octocoral soft coral that branches from a stalk into a tree-like colony. Polyps cluster in tufts at the branch tips and sclerites show through, giving a rough surface. It hosts zooxanthellae and grows well with light and flow.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
24〜26℃
Diet
Mainly nutrition from its zooxanthellae; feeding micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp speeds growth.
About
Litophyton is a genus of octocoral soft corals in the family Nephtheidae, order Malacalcyonacea, widespread on reefs from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. WoRMS accepts more than fifty species, and van Ofwegen's 2016 revision moved into this genus many of the corals previously traded as Nephthea. Colonies branch from a stalk into a tree-like form with polyps clustered in tufts at the branch tips. Sclerites showing through the tissue give the surface a rough look, and colour is brown, cream or green. The genus is zooxanthellate, drawing most of its nutrition from photosynthesis while supplementing it by capturing suspended matter. It is far easier to keep than the non-photosynthetic genera in the same family, growing readily under moderate to strong light and moderate to strong flow. It releases chemicals that suppress neighbouring corals, so clearance is needed. As a soft coral with no stony skeleton it is not covered by the CITES coral listings.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Temperature & humidity for the Litophyton
The ideal temperature for the Litophyton is 24〜26℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Coral reefs from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to the western Pacific
Temperature
24〜26℃
Diet
Mainly nutrition from its zooxanthellae; feeding micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp speeds growth.
Care Guide
Care Specifications
- Carbonate (KH)
- 8–12 dKH
- Water Temp.
- 24–26℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.023–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
Soft coralLight: Medium (PAR 50-150)Flow: HighPlacement: Middle
Sources: LiveAquaria (Tree Coral, Assorted) / van Ofwegen (2016), revision of the genus Litophyton, ZooKeys 567 / WoRMS (World Register of Marine Species)
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Litophyton spp. Forskål, 1775
Synonyms: Nephthea Audouin, 1828
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: CITES Appendices (taxon not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Litophyton Listings
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