Leather Coral
Lobophytum borbonicum
A New Caledonian soft coral that works well even for reef beginners.
About
Found on tropical reefs off New Caledonia in the Western Central Pacific, Lobophytum borbonicum is a sessile soft coral with a relatively limited documented range. As a member of the leather coral group, it shares the general lobophytum body plan. A fleshy, lobed colony that anchors firmly to hard substrate and expands its polyps into the surrounding water column to feed and photosynthesize. Soft corals in this genus are well regarded in reef keeping for being reasonably tolerant compared to many stony corals, and this species is considered a workable choice even for those newer to reef aquariums. It does best with moderate water flow, which keeps detritus from settling on its surface and supports good gas exchange, and moderate lighting suits it well without the intensity demands of many SPS corals. Like other leathers, it will periodically shed a waxy outer layer as part of its normal cycle. A normal behavior that can briefly make the colony look dull or closed before it bounces back. Source material on this specific species is sparse, so detailed behavioral notes are limited, but its care profile aligns broadly with other beginner-friendly soft corals in the genus.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Leather Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Leather Coral eat?
- The Leather Coral is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Leather Coral reef safe?
- The Leather Coral is generally considered reef safe.