Leather Coral
Lobophytum rigidum
A hardy soft coral from the Pacific that earns its place on any beginner reef.
About
Found across reef environments of the Western North Pacific, Lobophytum rigidum is a leather coral belonging to the family Alcyoniidae. Like other lobophytums, it forms lobed or finger-like colonies with a firm, leathery texture. The genus name roughly reflects that rigid, tough character that makes these corals so resilient compared to their SPS cousins. The surface is covered in small polyps that extend during favorable conditions and retract when the animal is stressed or shedding, which is a normal behavior for leather corals and not usually cause for alarm. New keepers sometimes panic when a lobophytum closes up and develops a waxy film, but this is simply the coral sloughing off a surface layer, and it typically reopens looking better than before. It is considered reef safe and poses little threat to neighboring corals as long as it has reasonable space to grow. Moderate lighting and moderate flow suit it well, and it is generally forgiving of the minor fluctuations that come with less mature systems. For anyone setting up their first soft coral reef or wanting a low-maintenance anchor piece, this is a sensible and rewarding choice.
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
- Is the Leather Coral aggressive?
- The Leather Coral is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- Is the Leather Coral reef safe?
- The Leather Coral is generally considered reef safe.