Leather Coral

About

Found across the reef flats and slopes of the Central Indo-Pacific, Lobophytum hapalolobatum is a leather coral in the family Alcyoniidae, recognizable by its flattened, lobed colony form and typically pale tan to grey-green coloration. Like other lobophytums, it produces a firm but pliable structure covered in small polyps that extend to feed when conditions are good and retract entirely when the coral decides it needs a rest. Something new keepers should know to expect and not panic over. These periodic "closed-down" phases, sometimes lasting several days, are normal behavior for leather corals and are usually followed by a good polyp extension once the coral sheds its waxy surface layer. In the aquarium this species is considered a genuinely forgiving choice, tolerating a fairly wide range of conditions without throwing a fit. It does best under moderate light and moderate water movement. Enough flow to keep detritus from settling on its surface, but not so much that the colony is constantly buffeted. It can release allelopathic compounds that irritate neighboring corals, so give it a bit of space and run activated carbon in your filtration to keep things peaceful on the reef.