Sinuous Cup Coral

About

Sinuous Cup Coral (Lobophyllia hassi) is a large-polyp stony coral found across a broad stretch of the Indo-West Pacific, from Yemen and the Maldives eastward through Indonesia to the Philippines. In the wild it grows on reef slopes and flats anywhere from shallow water down to around 30 meters, suggesting a good degree of adaptability to varying light conditions. The coral takes its common name from the winding, almost brain-like ridges and valleys formed by its corallites, which give colonies a sculptural, fleshy appearance. Colors vary and can include earthy greens, browns, and occasionally more vivid tones depending on the zooxanthellae present and ambient lighting. In the aquarium this is genuinely one of the more forgiving large-polyp stony corals you can keep. It does well under moderate lighting and prefers low, gentle flow rather than direct turbulent currents. Strong flow tends to keep the polyps retracted and can stress the tissue over time. It does not need to be placed in the highest light zones of your tank. Give it space from neighboring corals, as Lobophyllia species are known to extend sweeper tentacles at night and will sting encroaching neighbors. Feed occasionally with meaty foods for best growth and color.