Largebrain Root Coral

About

The largebrain root coral (Lobophyllia hemprichii) is a large-polyp stony coral with a presence that feels almost sculptural in the aquarium. In the wild, colonies range from flat plates to dome-shaped masses stretching several meters across, found on upper reef slopes throughout a vast range. East Africa and the Red Sea all the way out to Polynesia, and from Japan down to Australia. The colony structure is distinctive: valleys wind and divide as the coral grows, giving the surface that characteristic brain-like or lobed cactus appearance. Septa carry tall, sharp teeth that taper toward the center, and when polyps retract they leave behind thick, fleshy tissue that can appear either smooth or slightly textured depending on the individual. Coloration is variable. Some specimens are uniform, others show concentric banding around the mouths or valley walls in two or more colors, though all corallites within a single colony will share the same color pattern. In the aquarium it appreciates moderate light and gentle water movement, and its generally tolerant nature makes it a reasonable choice for newer reef keepers gaining experience with LPS corals. Give it space on the sandbed or a lower rock shelf and it tends to settle in without much fuss.