Purple and Pink Lobophyllia

Lobophyllia hemprichii is a classic large-polyp stony coral, often simply called a "lobo" by reef keepers. It has been a mainstay in the hobby for years, known for its hardiness and large, fleshy polyps. This particular specimen shows a deep purple base colouration, with hints of pink in the oral disc area that become more apparent under actinic lighting.

In the aquarium, Lobophyllia forms a colony of fused, bulbous polyps that inflate with water, giving it a soft, pillowy appearance. At night, it may extend potent sweeper tentacles, a common trait for this species. Its colour can shift in intensity depending on the light spectrum and water nutrients, but the underlying purple and pink tones are stable characteristics of this piece.

For best results, place your lobo on the sandbed or on a low-lying rock structure where it can receive low to moderate light, typically in the 75-150 PAR range. It prefers gentle to moderate, indirect water flow; too much direct current will cause the polyps to remain retracted. While it gets much of its energy from its photosynthetic zooxanthellae, it will benefit from occasional target feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp or specialized LPS pellets. Maintain stable water parameters, with calcium around 400-450 ppm, alkalinity between 8-12 dKH, and magnesium at 1300-1400 ppm. Because of its sweepers, be sure to give it plenty of room, at least 10-15cm from neighbouring corals to avoid any territorial disputes.

Lobos make a great centerpiece for the lower third of a reef tank. Their slow and predictable growth makes them a rewarding long-term addition to a stable system, fitting in well with other moderately-tempered LPS and soft corals, provided they are given their space.

This is a WYSIWYG item, so you'll receive the exact specimen pictured.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.