Stone-leaf Coral
Lithophyllon undulatum
A flat, lobed encrusting coral with surprisingly variable coloration across its range.
About
Stone-leaf coral (Lithophyllon undulatum) is a low-growing, encrusting species found across the Western Pacific, from reef flats down to around 30 meters and even on rocky foreshores exposed to wave action. Colonies spread outward as flat sheets or layered laminae with gently lobed edges, and there is typically no dominant central corallite. The surface instead carries thin, slightly raised septo-costae spread evenly across the colony. One of the more interesting things about this species is how much its coloration shifts depending on where it originates: colonies from the northern end of its range tend to run in deep greens and browns, while those from the southern part can show dark blue tissue with pale white corallite centers. An almost completely different look. In the aquarium, it appreciates moderate lighting and lower flow, which mirrors the calmer, shaded reef zones it often occupies in the wild. Rated as a beginner-friendly coral, it is a reasonable choice for reef keepers who are still finding their feet with LPS and encrusting species. Give it room to spread along rockwork or the substrate, and it tends to settle in without too much fuss.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Stone-leaf Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Stone-leaf Coral need?
- The Stone-leaf Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Stone-leaf Coral reef safe?
- The Stone-leaf Coral is generally considered reef safe.