Nephthea

Nephthea, commonly called tree corals (now formally synonymised under Litophyton, though the hobby name persists), are branching soft corals with a tree-like growth form and retractable polyps. They are similar in appearance to Sinularia but tend to have a more open, airy branching structure with softer, more flexible branches. Place them in the mid-section of your tank under moderate PAR (75–200 PAR) with moderate to high flow — good water movement keeps the branches clean and encourages healthy polyp extension. Standard reef parameters are appropriate: alkalinity 7.5–9 dKH, calcium 400–440 ppm, and temperature 25–27°C.

Nephthea are undemanding corals that adapt well to a range of conditions. They grow at a moderate pace, developing into attractive branching colonies that add vertical interest and natural movement to the aquascape. Like other soft corals, they retract their polyps periodically — this is normal behaviour and usually corresponds to shedding or environmental adjustment. If polyps remain retracted for extended periods, check for water quality issues or excessive direct flow. Nephthea do release some terpenes, though generally less than Sarcophyton or Sinularia. Running activated carbon is still recommended in mixed reef systems.

Fragging Nephthea is simple — cut branches with scissors or a scalpel and secure to frag plugs with rubber bands. Frags establish readily and begin growing new polyps within a couple of weeks. These corals are commonly available from Australian coral retailers and frag traders, and they make excellent additions to soft coral gardens. Their peaceful temperament means they play well with other soft corals, mushrooms, and zoanthids in community reef tanks.