Lobophyllia spp. (Splitcolor - Premium)

• Indo-Pacific
• Moderate Care Level
• For Intermediate to Advanced Hobbyists
• Low to Moderate Placement in Reef Tank

Lobophyllia spp. is a robust coral from the Lobophylliidae family, native to the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its large, colorful polyps that often open into striking, flower-like structures. The polyps vary in color, including shades of red, green, orange, yellow, and purple, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Lobophyllia spp. has a hard calcium skeleton that forms the base for its polyps, helping to maintain its characteristic branching or rounded shape. While it requires careful attention to water quality, it is a popular choice for advanced hobbyists due to its beauty and relatively moderate care needs.

The polyps of Lobophyllia spp. can become quite large and typically open at night or under lower light conditions. This coral tends to grow slowly, but with proper care, it can develop into a large, healthy colony. It is a filter feeder, capturing plankton and organic particles from the water column, and thrives in aquariums with stable water conditions.

Placement in the Tank

Lobophyllia spp. has moderate light requirements and thrives best when placed in a location with indirect light, such as under or next to rock formations that soften the lighting. This prevents the coral from being overexposed to light and helps maintain its natural coloration. Too much direct light can cause the polyps to bleach or stress. The ideal light intensity for Lobophyllia spp. is between 100-200 PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation).

Regarding water flow, Lobophyllia spp. prefers moderate flow. Too strong of a current can disturb the delicate polyps and cause damage, while too little flow can hinder the coral’s ability to feed. A gentle to moderate water flow of 5-15 times the volume of your aquarium per hour is ideal.

Water Parameters

Lobophyllia spp. requires precise and stable water conditions to thrive. Here are the recommended parameters for this coral:

• Temperature: 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F), with an ideal range between 26°C (79°F) and 26.5°C (79.7°F). Temperatures above 28°C (82°F) can lead to stress and bleaching.
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity (SG). The ideal value is 1.024. Maintaining consistent salinity is crucial for the health of Lobophyllia spp..
• pH: 8.1 to 8.3, with a preference for a stable pH of 8.2. Fluctuations in pH can disrupt calcium absorption, which is important for skeletal formation.
• Alkalinity (dKH): 8-10 dKH. It’s important to keep alkalinity within this range to maintain stable pH and optimal coral growth. A value of 9 dKH is often ideal.
• Calcium: 420-450 ppm. Calcium is essential for the formation of the coral’s skeleton. The ideal value is around 430 ppm.
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm, as magnesium plays a vital role in regulating calcium and alkalinity levels.
• Nitrate: Below 5 ppm. Higher nitrate levels can lead to algae blooms, which reduce water quality and harm coral health.
• Phosphate: Below 0.03 ppm. Phosphate can promote algae growth, which is harmful to corals. A phosphate level below this threshold is recommended for healthy coral growth.

Feeding

Lobophyllia spp. is a filter feeder and derives its nutrients from plankton and organic particles in the water column. In well-maintained aquariums with a sufficient number of microfauna, additional feeding may not be necessary. However, if the aquarium lacks plankton, you can supplement the coral’s diet with liquid coral food or finely chopped plankton (such as rotifers or brine shrimp). It is important to feed in small quantities to avoid overfeeding, which can negatively impact water quality.

Maintenance and Care

To keep Lobophyllia spp. healthy, regular maintenance is required. This includes:

• Water Changes: Regular water changes of 10-15% per week are important to maintain stable water quality. This helps to prevent the buildup of nitrates and phosphates.
• Water Parameter Monitoring: Since Lobophyllia spp. is sensitive to water quality fluctuations, it’s crucial to regularly test the temperature, pH, alkalinity, calcium, and other parameters. Maintaining stable conditions is key to coral health.
• Pruning: This coral grows slowly and usually does not need frequent pruning. However, it is important to ensure that the coral has enough space to expand. Trim excess parts if necessary to prevent the coral from overtaking other areas in the tank.
• Pest Control: Lobophyllia spp. may be susceptible to pests such as nudibranchs, which feed on the polyps. Regularly check for signs of pests and remove them promptly.

Compatibility

Lobophyllia spp. is generally a peaceful coral. It can coexist well with other soft corals and hard corals, provided they have enough space and are not competing for light or nutrients. It is important to maintain adequate distance from more aggressive corals, such as some LPS or SPS species, as they may try to encroach upon or damage the coral. The coral should also not be placed too close to fast-growing corals or those with long tentacles, as this can lead to conflicts.

With the right care, proper lighting, and stable water conditions, Lobophyllia spp. will make a stunning and impressive addition to your reef aquarium.