Brain Coral

About

Brain Coral (Lobophyllia sinuosa) is a large-polyp stony coral with a fleshy, undulating surface organized into winding ridges and valleys that give it that classic brain-like appearance. The tissue tends to be thick and puffy, and colonies commonly display earthy tones of brown, green, and grey, though some specimens show warmer reds and oranges depending on their zooxanthellae and light conditions. In the wild, Lobophyllia sinuosa is found across Indo-Pacific reef systems, typically settling on lower reef slopes and sandy flats where water movement is gentle and light is softer than on exposed crests. That natural preference translates well to the home aquarium. It does best with moderate lighting and low, indirect flow rather than any kind of direct current, which can irritate the exposed tissue. One thing worth knowing is that like most Lobophyllia, this coral can throw out sweeper tentacles after dark, so give it a decent buffer from neighboring corals to avoid chemical or physical warfare. The good news is that it handles the normal bumps of reef keeping fairly well, making it one of the more forgiving large-polyp stony corals for someone building out their first reef system.