Leaf Coral
Pavona minuta
A flat, spreading coral that earns its keep in low-light, low-flow reef tanks.
About
Leaf Coral (Pavona minuta) is one of those understated reef-builders that rewards a closer look. In the wild it grows across shallow Indo-Pacific reefs, typically found anywhere from the surface zone down to around 50 meters, spreading into broad encrusting or submassive sheets that can exceed a meter in diameter. The surface has a smooth, almost tidy quality to it, with small corallites set widely apart and fine septo-costae arranged in two alternating rows. Subtle detail that becomes more visible under decent aquarium lighting. Coloration runs through earthy territory: deep greens, warm browns, and muted brownish-greens, none of which are flashy, but they complement brighter corals well and lend a natural reef look to a tank. In the aquarium, Pavona minuta is genuinely forgiving. It asks for relatively gentle flow rather than a turbulent blast, and it actually prefers lower light levels, which makes it a practical choice for shadier spots in the tank that other photosynthetic corals might not thrive in. For reef hobbyists still building their confidence, this is one of the more approachable SPS-adjacent options available, and it poses no threat to neighboring corals or invertebrates.
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.