Colored Devil's Hand Tree Coral
(Lobophytum sp. on Scleractinia)
Lobophytum corals are found in the warm tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and the waters around Indonesia. They typically inhabit shallow reef environments, often found in caves, crevices, or on vertical walls. Like most corals, Lobophytum corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae. These algae live within their tissues and provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis. Lobophytum corals primarily rely on photosynthesis for their nutritional needs but can also capture small planktonic organisms with their tentacles and feed on them. Lobophytum corals can be sensitive to copper, and elevated levels of copper can harm their health. It's important to maintain copper levels within a safe range and use caution when using copper-based medications or treatments in the aquarium. Lobophytum 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. Lobophytum corals prefer moderate water flow and moderate to high lighting levels in the aquarium. Lobophytum corals have a distinctive appearance with large, fleshy polyps that resemble a hand or a crown, earning them their common names of Devil's Hand corals or Colt corals. The polyps can extend during the day to capture light for photosynthesis and feeding, and they can retract at night or when stressed. Lobophytum corals have a unique ability to retract their polyps rapidly when disturbed, which gives them a fascinating and interactive characteristic. Overall, Lobophytum corals are a captivating addition to reef aquariums, showcasing their unique and intricate hand-like structures. With proper care and suitable aquarium conditions, they can thrive and contribute to the beauty of your reef display. Corals will benefit from the addition of Calcium, Strontium, Iodine, Magnesium and Trace Elements.
Lobophytum Corals are also known as Cabbage Corals. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of brown, green, and yellow. They can also exhibit fluorescence under certain lighting conditions, adding to their visual appeal. Lobophytum Corals have the ability to retract and expand their polyps, creating a fascinating and dynamic display in the aquarium.
Water conditions: Salinity 1.023 - 1.025 Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Hardness 8 - 12 dKH
- Care: Easy
- Behavior: Agressive Social
- Diet: Frozen Food Live Food
- Habitat: Reef
- Light: Medium