Lobed Cactus Coral

About

Lobed cactus coral (Lobophyllia flabelliformis) is a large-polyp stony coral found across the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from Japan down through Indonesia to Australia and Papua New Guinea. In the wild it colonizes most shallow reef environments, growing from the surface down to around 40 meters, and typically forms broad, dome-shaped colonies with tightly packed elongated valleys running across the surface. One of the most interesting things about this species is how well its thick, fleshy mantle conceals the underlying skeleton. Underwater it can look remarkably similar to Symphyllia corals, and only when the tissue retracts, whether from a touch or some disturbance, do you see that the valleys actually share no walls, revealing its true identity. The mantle itself is textured with small elongated papillae that give it a tactile, almost rubbery appearance. Coloration tends toward uniform dark grey-brown, so it is not a particularly colorful addition to the tank, but the interesting texture and growth form make it worth a second look. One practical note: despite how solid large colonies appear, they can fracture surprisingly easily, so handle with care. It prefers moderate light and low water movement, and its forgiving nature makes it a reasonable choice for reef keepers who are still building their experience with LPS corals.