Lobo & Tunicate (44)

Lobo & Tunicate Coral Care | The Happy Reef

Lobo & Tunicate is an unusual natural combination featuring a fleshy Lobophyllia LPS alongside tunicate growth. Rather than being another colour morph alone, the tunicate adds a completely different animal to the piece and gives it the appearance of a tiny mixed reef community.

Tunicates, also known as sea squirts, are filter-feeding animals rather than corals. Interestingly, they are chordates and therefore more closely related to vertebrates than they are to the coral growing alongside them. They feed by drawing water through their bodies and filtering suspended microscopic food from it.

Scientific Name: Lobophyllia sp. with unidentified tunicate species

PAR: 75?150

Flow: Moderate, indirect flow. The Lobo should not be blasted, but the tunicate benefits from consistent water movement bringing suspended food across it.

Placement: Low Third

Feeding: Recommended. The Lobophyllia is photosynthetic but benefits from occasional target feeding with mysis, finely chopped seafood or suitable LPS foods. The tunicate is a filter feeder and benefits from regular access to very fine suspended foods such as phytoplankton and other appropriately sized planktonic foods.

Care Notes: This piece has to satisfy two very different animals. Keep the Lobo away from strong direct flow and sharp rockwork while providing enough water movement and suspended food for the tunicate. Tunicates can be less forgiving than the coral itself, particularly in very clean systems with little available plankton. Give the Lobophyllia space from neighbouring corals as it can deliver a strong sting.