Australian Fat Head Dendrophyllia
A variant of Dendrophyllia (Branching Sun Coral) (Dendrophyllia fistula)
Representative Dendrophyllia (Branching Sun Coral)photo โ a dedicated image of this exact morph isn't available yet.
An especially large-polyped 'fat head' Dendrophyllia from Australian stock, with oversized, plump polyps showing bright yellow-to-orange tentacles over an orange base. The big, meaty heads make it one of the most sought-after sun corals in the hobby.
๐ Backstory
Tidal Gardens sells this as the 'Australian Fat Head Dendrophyllia' and states the strain has been fully aquacultured for many years by their staff, which is why it is classed as an aquacultured/man-made line. The same fat-head Dendro appears at vendors such as Queen City Corals ('Aussie Fat Head Dendro' / 'Australian Fat Head Dendrophyllia') and Aquatic Collection ('Fat Head Dendro'). It originates from Australian wild-collected broodstock and is now propagated rather than wild-imported.
Keeper tips for this variant
It demands nearly constant feeding in large volumes โ feed the big polyps generously and often (several times a week, ideally more); pair that with shaded, low-light placement and gentle-to-moderate flow so food settles on the heads rather than being blown off.