Purple & Pink Lobophyllia

Lobophyllia are a classic large polyp stony coral, often called a lobo or brain coral. They bring a unique texture to a reef aquarium with their large, fleshy polyps. This particular specimen has deep purple tissue that contrasts with its lighter pink oral discs, a common combination for the species.

In a home reef, Lobophyllia have a relatively slow growth rate, with individual polyps gradually expanding and sometimes merging into one another. The polyps inflate with water during the day, giving the coral a full, puffy appearance. At night, it may extend short feeder tentacles from the centre of each polyp to capture small food particles from the water column.

For best care, Lobophyllia should be placed on the sandbed or a low rock structure in an area of low to moderate water flow. The lighting should also be in the low to moderate range, typically between 75-150 PAR. While it is photosynthetic, it will benefit from occasional target feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp or specialised coral pellets. It is an aggressive coral with long sweeper tentacles that can harm its neighbours, so it requires ample space in the aquarium. Maintain standard reef parameters with calcium at 420-440 ppm, alkalinity at 8-9 dKH, and magnesium around 1300-1400 ppm. Acclimation should be done slowly, with a gradual ramp-up in lighting.

As a hardy and relatively undemanding LPS coral, the Lobophyllia is a great way to add colour and form to the lower sections of a well-maintained aquarium. This is a WYSIWYG coral. The piece you see in the photo is the exact one you will receive.

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.