Red/Purple Lobophyllia Brain Coral

Lobophyllia corals are found in various tropical and subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and the waters around Indonesia. They typically inhabit shallow reef environments, often attached to rocky substrates or sandy areas. Like most corals, Lobophyllia corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae. These algae live within their tissues and provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis. Lobophyllia corals rely on photosynthesis for their nutritional needs, but they also have the ability to capture small planktonic organisms with their tentacles and feed on them. Lobophyllia corals can be sensitive to copper, and elevated levels of copper can harm their health. It's essential to maintain copper levels within a safe range and use caution when using copper-based medications or treatments in the aquarium. Lobophyllia corals are generally considered to be relatively easy to care for in a well-maintained reef aquarium. They require stable water parameters, including temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels. Lobophyllia corals prefer moderate water flow and moderate to high lighting levels in the aquarium. Lobophyllia corals have large, fleshy polyps with lobed or folded structures, hence their common name "Lobed Brain corals" or "Open Brain corals." Their polyps can extend during the day to capture prey or for photosynthesis, and they can retract their polyps at night or when stressed. Lobophyllia corals have the ability to inflate their polyps, giving them a unique and puffy appearance. Lobophyllia corals can reproduce through both sexual and asexual means, with the release of eggs and sperm or through budding and fragmentation, respectively. Corals will benefit from the addition of Calcium, Strontium, Iodine, Magnesium and Trace Elements.

Lobophyllia Brain Corals are also known as Lobed Brain or Folded Cup Corals. Commonly seen in the aquarium trade. The Lobophyllia Brain Corals are generally quite beautiful with colors ranging from shades of green, brown, orange red, and blue. They can also exhibit fluorescent pigments under certain lighting conditions, adding to their visual appeal. Lobophyllia Brain Coral colonies will vary greatly in size..

Water conditions: Salinity 1.023 - 1.025 Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Hardness 8 - 12 dKH