Studeriotes sp.
| Care Level | Expert |
| Lighting | Low (non-photosynthetic) |
| Water Flow | Moderate to strong |
| Placement | Shaded low rock / sand |
| Aggression | Peaceful |
| Coloration | White, cream or pink tree with a bushy crown |
Overview
The Christmas Tree Coral is a non-photosynthetic soft coral that inflates into a bushy, tree-like colony of branching polyps, then retracts into a fleshy base. Striking, but a demanding NPS species for dedicated keepers.
Care & Placement
It contains no zooxanthellae, so it draws no energy from light and must be fed heavily instead. Provide moderate-to-strong flow and a shaded spot. It typically expands to feed and retracts to rest, sometimes for days at a time.
Feeding
The crux of keeping it alive: frequent target feeding of live and frozen zooplankton, rotifers, copepods and fine particulate foods, often several times a day. Best in a dedicated NPS system with heavy feeding and strong nutrient export.
Propagation
Not commonly propagated in the home aquarium.
Cautions
EXPERT ONLY — non-photosynthetic corals starve without relentless feeding, which in turn demands robust filtration and export. Not for typical reef tanks.