{"id":3011,"date":"2026-02-16T23:23:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/product\/bush-soft-coral-red-neospongodes-sp\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T23:23:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:23:03","slug":"bush-soft-coral-red-neospongodes-sp","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/?product=bush-soft-coral-red-neospongodes-sp","title":{"rendered":"Bush Soft Coral Red Neospongodes Sp"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bush Soft Coral \u2013 Red (Neospongodes sp.)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Also known as Red Tree Coral or Red Bush Coral)<\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Red Bush Soft Coral (Neospongodes<\/em> sp.) is a striking and colourful soft coral known for its branching, tree-like structure<\/strong> and deep red to pink polyps<\/strong>. It forms dense, bushy colonies that sway gracefully in the current, adding vivid contrast and texture to marine aquariums. While beautiful, this species can be moderately challenging<\/strong>, as it often prefers moderate flow and occasional feeding to thrive. It does not contain symbiotic zooxanthellae, meaning it depends more on direct feeding<\/strong> than light for nutrition.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Found throughout the Indo-Pacific region<\/strong>, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. Typically inhabits shaded reef slopes, overhangs, and deeper waters where light is dim and currents bring abundant plankton.<\/p>\n

Lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Low to moderate lighting.<\/strong> Unlike photosynthetic corals, Neospongodes<\/em> species derive little to no energy from light. Too much direct light can cause tissue recession. Best placed in shaded or lower regions of the tank<\/strong>, such as under rock ledges or overhangs.<\/p>\n

Water Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Moderate to strong, indirect flow.<\/strong> This keeps polyps extended and helps deliver planktonic food while preventing detritus buildup. Avoid direct blasting from powerheads, which may damage delicate branches.<\/p>\n

Feeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Red Bush Coral is a non-photosynthetic (NPS)<\/strong> or partially heterotrophic coral that requires regular feeding. Provide small, frequent feedings of:<\/p>\n

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  • \n

    Phytoplankton<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Zooplankton<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Marine snow or coral-specific micro foods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Finely minced meaty foods (rotifers, copepods, or cyclops)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Feed 2\u20134 times per week<\/strong>, ideally when polyps are fully extended (usually during low light or night hours).<\/p>\n

    Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Position in the lower to mid-section<\/strong> of the aquarium in an area with gentle to moderate water movement and indirect light. Mount securely to live rock, as colonies can become top-heavy as they grow.<\/p>\n

    Tank Mates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Avoid:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      Aggressive coral species with strong sweeper tentacles (e.g., Euphyllia, Galaxea)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Predatory fish or invertebrates that may nip soft corals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Aggression<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Peaceful<\/strong>, but can release mild chemical deterrents (allelopathy) when crowded by other soft corals. Allow space and ensure good water circulation and carbon filtration to minimise chemical competition.<\/p>\n

      Experience Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Intermediate to advanced.<\/strong> Requires stable water parameters, supplemental feeding, and appropriate low-light placement. Long-term success depends on consistent feeding and good nutrient export.<\/p>\n

      Water Parameters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • \n

        Temperature:<\/strong> 24\u201327\u00b0C (75\u201381\u00b0F)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        pH:<\/strong> 8.1\u20138.4<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Salinity:<\/strong> 1.024\u20131.026 SG<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Hardness (dKH):<\/strong> 8\u201312<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Calcium:<\/strong> 400\u2013450 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Tank Size:<\/strong> Minimum 50 gallons (190L)<\/strong> for stable conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Maintain excellent water quality with regular partial water changes and protein skimming, as overfeeding can raise nutrient levels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Bush Soft Coral \u2013 Red (Neospongodes sp.) (Also known as Red Tree Coral or Red Bush Coral) Overview The Red Bush Soft Coral (Neospongodes sp.) is a striking and colourful soft coral known for its branching, tree-like structure and deep red to pink polyps. It forms dense, bushy colonies that sway gracefully in the current, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3010,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[30],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3011","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-soft-corals","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"taxable","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple"},"group_of_quantity":0,"min_quantity":0,"max_quantity":"","exclude_order_quantity_value_rules":"no","exclude_category_quantity_rules":"no","combine_variations":"no","exclude_global_add_ons":[],"addons":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product\/3011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_brand&post=3011"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_cat&post=3011"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_tag&post=3011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}