Finger Leather

About

Found on Indo-Pacific and western Indian Ocean reefs off South Africa and Madagascar, Lobophytum latilobatum is a lobophytum leather coral. Part of a group commonly called devil's hand or finger leathers depending on the species. Like its relatives, it likely forms broad, lobed colonies with a leathery texture and a muted, earthy coloration that ranges from cream to tan or pale brown, often with a slightly waxy surface sheen. Lobophytum leathers are well known in reef keeping circles for being genuinely tolerant corals. They don't demand intense lighting or heavy flow, which puts this species squarely in reach of newer reef keepers who are still dialing in their systems. One thing worth knowing about leather corals as a group: they periodically shed a waxy outer layer as part of normal growth, and during this time they look deflated and unimpressive. Don't panic. It passes within a few days. They are also known to release compounds into the water that can inhibit other corals nearby, so placement matters. Give it some space from stony corals in particular. This is a low-drama soft coral that rewards basic consistent care.