Leaf Coral
Pavona gigantea
A tough, low-light coral that thrives where other stony corals struggle.
About
Leaf Coral (Pavona gigantea) is a large, colony-forming stony coral found on shallow, sheltered rocky substrates, typically in calmer water away from heavy surge. The colonies are massive in structure, with thick-walled, clearly defined corallites and well-developed columellae. One of the more recognizable traits is the way the tentacles stay extended during daylight hours, giving the whole colony a soft, fuzzy texture that catches the eye in a reef display. Colors tend toward the understated side, greens, grays, and browns, so this isn't a coral you keep for flashy pigmentation, but it has a natural, organic quality that works well in a mixed reef setup. In the aquarium, Pavona gigantea is genuinely forgiving, which makes it a reasonable choice for hobbyists who are newer to keeping large-polyp and small-polyp stony corals. It asks for low to moderate lighting and relaxed flow, so it suits systems where more demanding SPS corals might struggle. Give it stable water chemistry and room to grow, and it tends to reward you with steady, reliable expansion. If you want a hardy, substantial stony coral that does not demand specialized equipment, this one deserves a closer look.
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.