Carnation Soft Coral

Details

Dendronephthya sp. (carnation/tree soft corals) are azooxanthellate octocorals that rely onsuspension feeding rather than photosynthesis. They thrive in moderate–strong currents and capture plankton and organic particulates, displaying vivid colours (red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple).

Ecology & Biology

• Feeding: polyps intercept copepods, amphipods, larvae and POM from flow.

• Energy: without symbionts they require continuous particulate food and stable flow.

• Reproduction: sexual broadcast/planulation plus asexual fragmentation and re‑attachment.

Identification

Colonies are arborescent; the transparent/sem i‑transparent coenenchyme contains diverse sclerites giving a granular texture. Colour is highly variable and often partitioned among branches, coenenchyme and polyp crowns; brown hues typical of zooxanthellate soft corals are absent.

Size & Longevity

• Height: typically 10–40 cm (larger at ideal sites).

• Life: multi‑year in high‑flow, food‑rich habitats; rapid decline under stress.

Range & Habitat

Indo‑Pacific outer slopes, passes and headlands with moderate–strong currents and clear water, usually 10–40+ m; often on shaded faces.

Threats & Conservation

• Sedimentation/turbidity smothers polyps.

• Reduced flow/food causes energy deficits and collapse.

• Collection has low survival; regulate trade and transport.

IUCN: generally Not Evaluated (NE) at species level.