Sinuous Cup Coral

About

Sinuous Cup Coral (Lobophyllia agaricia) is a large polyp stony coral found across a vast stretch of the Indo-Pacific, from the reefs of East Africa all the way out to Melanesia, and from southern Japan down to Australia. In the wild it occupies reef environments from the shallows down to around 40 meters, giving it a broad tolerance for varied light conditions. The colony structure features meandering, valley-like ridges that give it a folded, almost labyrinthine appearance. Somewhat reminiscent of brain corals, though the fleshy tissue and larger polyp size are distinctly Lobophyllia. Colors vary widely, ranging from earthy browns and greens to more vivid reds and oranges depending on the individual and the lighting it's kept under. In the aquarium, this is one of the more accessible LPS corals you can keep. It appreciates moderate lighting and low to gentle water movement, which lets the soft tissue fully expand without being buffeted around. It's generally tolerant of typical reef water conditions and is considered a reasonable choice for hobbyists who are still building their reefkeeping experience. Give it adequate space on the rockwork since neighboring corals can trigger a defensive response.