Lobo Brain care guide
Lobo Brain (Lobophyllia hemprichii) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 75-175, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Overview
Lobophyllia hemprichii is a massive multi-lobed brain coral with deep gyri between lobes. The species displays a wide range of colours; Australian specimens command premium prices in the reef trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lobophylliidae
- Genus: Lobophyllia
- Scientific name: Lobophyllia hemprichii
- Common synonyms: Lobed Brain Coral, Lobophyllia
Habitat
Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. Wild colonies occupy reef slopes and lagoonal habitats at moderate depth, often on protected substrate.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity (SG): 1.024-1.026
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.03 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 5 ppm
Placement and lighting
- Lighting (PAR): 75-175 PAR
- Flow: low
- Recommended tank age: 3 months
- Growth rate: 0.1-0.3 cm/mo
Mount in the middle of the aquarium on stable rockwork with moderate light and low flow. Spacing of several centimetres around the colony is essential because sweeper tentacles extend after lights-out.
Feeding
Photosynthetic with strong response to spot-feeding. Offer mysis, reef-roids and amino-acid supplements one to two times per week to support growth and lobe colour.
Compatibility
Moderately aggressive at night via sweeper tentacles. Suitable for mixed reefs with adequate spacing. Reef-safe with shrimp and fish.
Care notes
Stable alkalinity, calcium and magnesium support skeletal growth. Avoid touching the fleshy lobes during maintenance; they bruise easily.