Studeriotes
Genus
A soft coral that resembles a fir tree when its branches expand, retracting entirely into its trunk when disturbed. Feeding-dependent.

Names & Synonyms
- CommonStuderiotes
- Commonステュデリオテス
- CommonChristmas Tree Coral
- CommonMedusa Coral
- Commonクリスマスツリーコーラル
Overview
Studeriotes (Christmas tree coral) resembles a fir tree when its branches expand, and it retracts completely into its trunk when disturbed. It relies heavily on feeding rather than zooxanthellae, depending on fine planktonic foods. Set its base buried in sand and keep it under moderate flow. It wastes away if underfed, so it suits intermediate-to-advanced keepers.
Care Points
- Depends on fine planktonic feeding; declines if starved.
Related corals of the same type
Scleronephthyaスクレロネフティア(カラーツリー)NPSAdvancedA non-photosynthetic soft coral in vivid pink-to-orange. Beautiful but feeding-dependent and difficult; an advanced species.
Stylasterスティラスター(レースコーラル)npsAdvancedA hydrozoan non-photosynthetic coral with delicate lacy branches. Related to Distichopora and similarly feeding-dependent.
Chili Coralチリコーラル(ネフティギ ゴルギア)npsIntermediateA chili-red tree-like non-photosynthetic soft coral. It shrinks by day and opens white polyps at night. Feeding-dependent.
Diodogorgiaディオドゴルギア(レッドフィンガー)NPSAdvancedA non-photosynthetic gorgonian with red-to-orange branches and contrasting white polyps. Beautiful but feeding-dependent; advanced.
Distichoporaディスティコポラ(レースコーラル)npsAdvancedA hydrozoan non-photosynthetic coral with vivid purple, yellow or pink branches. Beautiful but feeding-dependent and difficult.
Dendronephthyaデンドロネフティア(カーネーションコーラル)NPSAdvancedA tree-like non-photosynthetic soft coral in brilliant red, pink and yellow. Stunning but very difficult to feed and keep long-term.Related care articles

Mixed-Coral Tank Layout Planning | Co-existence Examples for SPS, LPS, and Soft Corals
When culturing different types of corals in a single tank, understanding each group's ecological niche—including their position in the food chain, light requirements, and water flow needs—and realizing competition avoidance through placement is key to success...

Choosing Substrate for Coral Tanks: Comparing Bare Bottom, Powder Sand, and Live Sand with Maintenance
The choice of substrate for a saltwater coral tank is directly connected not just to appearance but also to water quality management and the ecology of marine life. Here we organize the characteristics of bare bottom, powder sand, and live sand, and the management approach suited to each.

Saltwater Aquarium Quarantine (QT) Systems | Pathogen Management and Setup Methods for New Introductions
Explaining the importance of quarantine (isolation) processes when introducing new corals and organisms, along with practical setup methods. An implementation guide to realize preventative husbandry, from QT tank sizing and feeding to pathogen checking procedures and timing for introduction to the main tank.
Get this species
Buy livestock directly from breeders and specialist shops on BreederDirect (br-choku), our sister marketplace for corals and marine fish.
* Opens an external site (BreederDirect / br-choku, Japanese) in a new tab.