Branched Coral (LPS) (Dendrophyllia spp.)

Branched Coral (LPS) Dendrophyllia spp.
Name	Branched Coral (LPS)
Name Lat.	Dendrophyllia spp.
Family	Branched Corals
Family lat.	Dendrophylliidae
Order	Stony Corals
Order lat.	Scleractinia
Origin	Tropical Seas
Diet	Planktivore
pH	8.1-8.4
Hardness	8-12 °KH
Lighting	Low
Current	Moderate - strong
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Colony
Care Level	Moderate
Life Span	N/A
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B
Metric Units
Size	1.5 cm
Temperature	24-27 °C
Salinity	33-36 ‰
Aquarium	200 l
US Units
Size	0.6"
Temperature	75-81 °F
Salinity	1.020-1.025 sg
Aquarium	50 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Dendrophyllia spp. belong to the group of LPS (Large Polyp Scleractinia). These non-reef-building corals (ahermatypic) are widely distributed in the Red Sea, tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, and tropical Atlantic Ocean. They occur according to their species and origin in different colors in arboreal branching colonies, mostly under rock overhangs in the lower intertidal zone up to 50 m water depth.

Maintenance

They should be positioned in a place with the lowest possible light intensity and strong, alternating current. Only lime-rich, heavy metal-free substrates may be used as substrate

To ensure water quality, filters, skimmers and heaters are necessary, as well as pumps to simulate tides, swells and bottom currents. It is recommended that live stones be used to set up the aquarium. The bacteria living in the porous stones act as a biological filter. The lighting must correspond to the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals

Salinity: 33-36 ‰	pH value: 8.1-8.4
Carbonate hardness: 8-10 °KH	Nitrate content: 2-8 mg/l
calcium content: 420-450 mg/l	Nitrite content: 0.0-0.05 mg/l
Magnesium content: 1.250-1.350 mg/l	phosphate content: 0.01-0.1 mg/l

Regular addition of trace elements, especially iodine, is recommended. For salinity, an average value should be aimed for, which may only vary slightly by +/- 0.5 ‰. Ammonia and ammonium must not be measurable. Special attention shall be paid to consistently good water quality and water values.

Diet

Zooxanthellae (azooxanthellate) do not live in their tissues. Therefore, in addition to the food that accumulates in the aquarium during fish feeding (mysis, krill, artemia, floating shrimp, etc.), they are regularly dependent on supplementary food in the form of commercially available phyto- and zooplankton

Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Behaviour and compatibility

They should not be kept with fish that regard their polyps as food (e.g. angelfish or butterflyfish). They are well tolerated with other corals, but sufficient distance from cnidarians must be maintained. They are sensitive to touch.

Reproduction and breeding

The mode of reproduction is unknown.

Species protection

Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Important

They belong to the group of azooxanthellate corals and can therefore also colonize biotopes without sunlight. Some species of these corals are also found in the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic at depths of up to 1,400 meters

A calcium reactor and a magnesium dosing pump are recommended for the necessary even supply of calcium carbonate and magnesium. Too high temperature, insufficient lighting or current as well as sudden change of water values can lead to tissue decay (RTN - rapid tissue necrosis). When purchasing, look for pressure marks or other tissue damage. Newly introduced animals must be acclimated slowly to the water in the aquarium

If different species are kept together, make sure that fish and invertebrates match each other in terms of water quality and temperature requirements as well as their social behavior, and that the setup meets the ecological needs of all species kept together

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Alex Rinesch

Source: ENGELMANN & LANGE (2011): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Verlag Harri Deutsch; VERON (2000): Corals of the world, Australian Institute of Marine Science