Hatai Lobo Care Guide
Hatai Lobo (Lobophyllia hataii) is a LPS coral. Care covers 75-175 PAR, low flow, reef parameters and feeding; advanced level.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Hatai Lobo (Lobophyllia hataii) is a LPS coral in the family Lobophylliidae. Rare Lobophyllia species with master-grade rainbow morphs from Australia. Slow-growing collector LPS.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lobophylliidae
- Genus: Lobophyllia
- Scientific name: Lobophyllia hataii
- Common synonyms: Master Hatai
Habitat
In the wild, Lobophyllia hataii is reported from Australia, where it occupies mid to lower reef slopes and lagoons (typically 5-30 m). The species adopts a massive growth form on hard substrate within zooxanthellate reef communities.
Tank requirements
- Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.03 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 5 ppm
- Minimum system age: 6 months
Placement and lighting
- PAR (placement zone): 75-175 PAR
- Water flow: low
Mount this LPS coral on the lower or mid rockwork or on the sand bed (for free-living forms) where light is moderate. Strong direct flow can damage the fleshy tissue; aim for indirect, varied movement.
Feeding
Lobophyllia hataii hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and derives most of its energy through photosynthesis. Supplemental target feeding accelerates growth and supports colouration; commonly accepted items include mysis, reef-roids, amino-acids. Feed once or twice per week after lights-out, when polyps are extended.
Compatibility
This coral is moderately aggressive toward neighbours. It extends sweeper tentacles capable of stinging adjacent corals, so leave generous spacing (10-20 cm) between colonies. Reef-safe with most fish and invertebrates.
Care notes
Difficulty level: advanced. Reported skeletal growth in well-tuned reef tanks is approximately 0.05-0.2 cm/month. Propagation by fragmentation is straightforward for massive colonies — separate branches or polyps with a bone cutter, glue to plug, allow 1-2 weeks for healing. Maintain stable alkalinity (avoid swings above ±0.5 dKH per day) to preserve tissue health.
Lobophyllia hataii Propagation Guide
Overview
Lobophyllia hataii is a large polyp stony coral in the family Lobophylliidae, a lobed brain coral collected from Australia. Reef Builders describes Lobophyllia as forming distinct lobes on separate stalks at the base, with larger lobes carrying multiple polyp mouths. It is a colonial reef coral whose lobes grow from a common skeletal base, and it is regarded as a slow-growing species.
Reproductive Mode
As a colonial coral, Lobophyllia hataii grows by adding lobes and corallites to a shared skeleton, in contrast to solitary single-polyp corals. The colony can therefore be divided into pieces that each carry living tissue and skeleton, so it can be propagated asexually by fragging as well as sexually by spawning, though its slow growth means recovery between fragging is gradual.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Reef Builders advises that most LPS corals need a band saw for fragging. With this lobed brain coral the cut follows the lobe boundaries, removing single lobes or small clusters so each frag retains flesh over solid skeleton. A coolant of home-aquarium water tinted light amber with iodine disinfects the wounds; each frag is then dried and glued to a flat-based plug.
Conditions for Propagation
Reef Builders reports polyps extend within hours and cut edges expand within days once mucus is gently basted off. Stable parameters, gentle flow and clean water support healing. As a slow grower it may take longer than faster LPS to re-skin the cut, so patience and consistent water quality are important during recovery.
Sexual Reproduction
As a zooxanthellate stony coral, Lobophyllia hataii reproduces sexually by releasing gametes into the water, where fertilisation forms planula larvae that settle and establish new colonies. This broadcast pathway, separate from fragmentation, is the natural means by which the species produces new individuals on the reef.
Common Challenges
The genus is moderately aggressive and produces abundant mucus, so fresh frags need spacing while they heal. If the blade enters living tissue the fleshy lobe can tear, and a frag cut too thin endangers the polyp; leave generous skeleton beneath the flesh. The slow growth rate makes recovery deliberate, and poor water quality can lead to tissue recession at the cut edges.