Lobed Cactus Coral

About

Lobed Cactus Coral (Lobophyllia serrata) is a large-polyp stony coral native to the Indo-West Pacific, found across a range stretching from the Philippines down through Indonesia. In the wild it occupies reef environments from the shallows down to around 30 meters, which gives you a sense of just how adaptable this coral can be when it comes to light conditions. The colony growth form is characterized by the fleshy, deeply ridged lobes that give this species its common name. Up close, the texture really does call a cactus to mind, though the colors tend toward earthy greens, browns, reds, and the occasional purple depending on the light it receives and the specific genetic variant you have. In the aquarium, Lobophyllia serrata is one of those large-polyp stony corals that actually earns its beginner-friendly reputation. It appreciates lower flow than many reef inhabitants, since strong direct current can stress the tissue and prevent the polyps from fully expanding. Given moderate lighting and calm water movement, it tends to be tolerant and rewarding to keep. Like other members of its genus, it can be mildly aggressive toward neighboring corals through sweeper tentacle extension, so giving it a bit of personal space in the aquascape is worth planning for.