Toxic Green Center Lobophyllia

Lobophyllia corals are a long-standing favourite in the hobby for their large, fleshy polyps and deep colouration. Often called a "Lobo" or "Brain Coral", these are true Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals that create impressive mounds as they grow. This particular piece has a striking green centre, a colour that stands out well under typical reef tank lighting.

In a home reef, Lobophyllia have a satisfying presence. During the day, their tissue inflates substantially, giving the coral a full, pillowy appearance over its skeletal base. At night, the polyps retract, and you may see short feeder tentacles emerge from the mouths at the centre of each polyp. The growth form is typically hemispherical, with the colony slowly expanding outwards over time.

For best care, place your Lobophyllia on the sandbed or on a low rock structure where it will receive low to moderate light, in the 75-150 PAR range. It prefers low to moderate indirect water flow, just enough to keep the polyps free of detritus without causing the tissue to pull back from the skeleton. While photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional spot-feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp or specialized LPS pellets. Keep a safe distance from other corals, as Lobos can release potent sweeper tentacles at night that will damage their neighbours. Stable water parameters are key, with calcium around 420-440 ppm, alkalinity at 8-9 dKH, and magnesium between 1300-1400 ppm.

A well-placed Lobophyllia can serve as an excellent anchor for the lower scape of a mixed reef. Their slow, predictable growth and moderate care needs make them a manageable and rewarding coral for both new and experienced reef keepers. They are generally peaceful additions, provided their neighbours are kept out of reach of their sweepers.

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.