Leather Coral
Lobophytum variatum
A New Caledonian soft coral that's surprisingly forgiving for reef beginners.
About
Found on tropical reefs off New Caledonia in the Western Central Pacific, Lobophytum variatum is a sessile soft coral belonging to the leather coral group. Like others in the Lobophytum genus, it spends its entire adult life anchored to hard substrate, drawing nutrients from the water column and energy from its symbiotic zooxanthellae. Leather corals in this genus typically form lobed or finger-like colonies with a leathery surface texture, and they can vary considerably in color and form. Which, given this species' name, is likely part of what makes it distinctive. What makes Lobophytum corals appealing to reef keepers is their relative hardiness compared to stony corals. They don't demand intense lighting or heavy flow, and they tend to tolerate the minor fluctuations in water quality that are inevitable in a home system. That makes this species a reasonable choice for someone building their first reef tank, provided the basic saltwater husbandry fundamentals are in place. Source data on this particular species is limited, so hobbyists keeping it should draw on general Lobophytum care practices and pay close attention to how their individual colony responds to placement and conditions in their specific system.
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 water parameters does the Leather Coral need?
- The Leather Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- 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.