Leather Coral

About

Acropora horrida is one of the less-known.. wait. Lobophytum crebriplicatum is a soft coral belonging to the leather coral group, found across the Indo-West Pacific. It lives on benthic reef substrates, recorded at depths starting around 24 meters, suggesting it is comfortable in lower-light zones of the reef slope. Like other lobophyllums, it produces a fleshy, lobed colony typical of the family. Colonies are generally muted in tone, ranging through creams, tans, and greens depending on their zooxanthellae load and lighting conditions. In the aquarium, it is considered one of the more approachable soft corals for newer reef keepers, tolerating a reasonable range of conditions as long as water quality stays consistent and there is adequate flow to keep the surface clear of debris and mucus. It does not demand intense lighting, which makes placement in a mid-to-lower tank position workable. Like most leather corals, it will periodically coat itself in a waxy film before sloughing it off in a natural shedding process, which can temporarily cloud the water and cause the colony to look deflated. This is normal and not a cause for alarm. It is a low-drama coral that rewards consistent, stable husbandry.