Lobophytum [2]

Lobophytum

Type: Soft Coral

Scientific Name: Lobophytum sp.

PAR: 75?200

Flow: Moderate, varied flow

Placement: Low Third to Mid Third

Description

Lobophytum is a chunky, architectural leather coral that develops broad folds and thick finger-like lobes as it matures. Often known as Devil's Hand or Finger Leather Coral, an established colony can become a substantial feature with a shape completely different from branching stony corals.

Rather than producing a solid skeleton, Lobophytum contains thousands of tiny calcium carbonate structures called sclerites. These provide support while allowing the colony to remain flexible and gently move with the surrounding water.

Why We Like It

We like corals that become proper colonies rather than simply staying as little patches of colour, and Lobophytum does exactly that. It's hardy, full of texture and increasingly impressive as those characteristic lobes develop and the coral gains size.

Care Notes

A hardy, photosynthetic soft coral that doesn't require direct feeding. Moderate varied flow encourages good polyp extension and helps the coral naturally shed its surface layer. It may occasionally close for several days before shedding a thin waxy film and reopening ? normal behaviour for leather corals.