Leather Coral
Lobophytum strictum
A hardy soft coral from Indian Ocean reefs, forgiving enough for new reefers.
About
Found across the reefs of the Indian Ocean Exclusive Economic Zone, Lobophytum strictum is a leather coral in the family Alcyoniidae. A group well known for their resilience in captivity. Like other lobophytums, this species forms lobed, leathery colonies that can vary in color from cream and tan through to grey or greenish hues depending on the zooxanthellae it hosts and the lighting conditions it's kept under. The surface is covered in small polyps that extend to feed and retract when disturbed, giving the colony a noticeably different texture depending on the time of day or how settled it feels in its environment. Leather corals as a group are known to periodically shed a thin waxy coat. A normal behavior that can briefly make the coral look dull or closed up, so don't panic when it happens. They also release compounds into the water that can suppress nearby corals, so give it reasonable space on the rockwork. All of that said, this is genuinely one of the more forgiving soft corals available, tolerating the minor fluctuations in water quality that are inevitable in a newer system. Moderate light and moderate flow suit it well, and it requires no supplemental feeding to thrive.
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
- What does the Leather Coral eat?
- The Leather Coral is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Leather Coral reef safe?
- The Leather Coral is generally considered reef safe.