Leather Coral

About

Found on the tropical reefs of New Caledonia in the Western Central Pacific, Lobophytum planum is a sessile soft coral with a documented presence in the region going back to annotated checklists of local marine life compiled in the mid-2000s. As a member of the leather coral group, it shares the general lobophytum growth form. A flattened, lobed colony that tends to spread laterally across hard substrate, though specific details on its coloration and surface texture in the aquarium are not well documented in hobbyist literature. What is clear is that it carries a beginner-friendly care rating, which broadly suggests it is more tolerant of typical fluctuations in reef tank conditions than many of its coral counterparts. Moderate lighting and moderate water movement are the parameters most commonly associated with keeping this species comfortably, which puts it well within reach of a standard reef setup. Because source data on this particular species is limited compared to more commonly traded leathers, hobbyists who obtain a specimen should treat it as they would any Lobophytum. Give it space to expand, watch for the periodic shedding of a waxy mucus layer that leathers use to clean themselves, and resist the urge to move it once it has settled in.