Carnation Tree Coral (Nephthea erecta) Care Guide
Nephthea erecta is a photosynthetic tree soft coral of the family Nephtheidae with feathery polyps, easier than non-photosynthetic Dendronephthya.
Overview
Nephthea erecta is a tree-shaped soft coral of the family Nephtheidae, marketed as a carnation tree coral, with branching, fingered polyps and a flexible tree-like structure. It is primarily photosynthetic, hosting symbiotic zooxanthellae, which makes it much easier to keep than the non-photosynthetic Dendronephthya carnation corals.
Taxonomy
- Class: Octocorallia
- Family: Nephtheidae
- Genus: Nephthea
- Scientific name: Nephthea erecta
Habitat
Nephthea corals are native to the Indo-Pacific, often found on shallow reef slopes, flats and lagoons with moderate water movement. Their adaptability and moderate growth make them widespread across reef habitats.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- dKH: 8-11
- Calcium: 380-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Nitrate: below 15 ppm; Phosphate: below 0.1 ppm
- Lighting: 50-150 PAR (moderate; carnation tree corals are reported to prefer lower light around 100-150 PAR)
- Flow: medium
- Minimum tank age: 6 months
Feeding
Nephthea relies heavily on the products of its zooxanthellae but may also feed on phytoplankton and similarly sized microfauna. Occasional feedings of phytoplankton or fine powdered foods encourage growth and vibrant colour, though it is not dependent on intensive feeding the way non-photosynthetic species are.
Compatibility
Passive and reef-safe with no stinging tentacles, safe with fish and shrimp. It extends better under moderate rather than intense light; give it medium flow and space from faster-growing neighbours.
Propagation
As a Nephtheid tree coral it can be propagated by cutting a branch and securing the fragment to rock, where it attaches and develops into a new colony.