Leaf Coral
Pavona bipartita
A low-maintenance encrusting coral that works hard in understated browns.
About
Leaf coral (Pavona bipartita) is a solid, unfussy SPS coral that suits hobbyists who want a hardy reef resident without the demanding care requirements of flashier stony corals. In the wild it ranges widely across the Indo-West Pacific, growing in shallow reef environments from the surface down to around 40 metres. Colonies are either encrusting or submassive in form and can grow to well over a metre across in nature, though aquarium specimens stay far more manageable. The most recognisable feature is the irregular, uneven ridges formed by the corallites. These small raised structures vary noticeably in height and sometimes run together into short crests, giving the surface a distinctly textured, almost corrugated look. Colouration is uniformly pale to dark brown, which won't win any beauty contests but blends naturally into a mixed reef display. Where Pavona bipartita really earns its place is in its tolerance of lower light and gentle flow conditions, making it one of the more forgiving SPS options available to newer reef keepers. It doesn't demand the intense lighting that pushes so many beginners toward failure, and it plays well with other corals in a community system.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Leaf Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Leaf Coral need?
- The Leaf Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Leaf Coral reef safe?
- The Leaf Coral is generally considered reef safe.