Rounded Bubblegum Coral
Plerogyra multilobata
A rare Bornean bubble coral with soft, rounded lobes and a peaceful reef presence.
About
The rounded bubblegum coral (Plerogyra multilobata) is one of the more obscure members of the bubble coral group, first described from reef habitats off Sabah in North Borneo, making Malaysia the heart of its known range. Like its better-known relatives, it produces fleshy, water-filled vesicles that give the colony a soft, almost pillowy appearance during the day, with the underlying skeleton hidden beneath these inflated lobes. At night or when stressed, the vesicles retract to reveal the stony framework beneath. The rounded, multi-lobed form that gives this species its name sets it apart from other bubble corals, though the differences can be subtle and it remains poorly documented compared to more commonly traded relatives. In the aquarium, it fits best in a low-flow area of the tank, since strong currents can damage those delicate vesicles and prevent the coral from fully expanding. Moderate lighting suits it well. It's considered reef safe and poses minimal risk to neighboring corals as long as it has enough personal space, since it can extend sweeper tentacles after dark. This is an intermediate-level coral, a solid choice for a keeper already comfortable with LPS care basics.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Rounded Bubblegum Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Rounded Bubblegum Coral need?
- The Rounded Bubblegum Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Rounded Bubblegum Coral aggressive?
- The Rounded Bubblegum Coral is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- Is the Rounded Bubblegum Coral reef safe?
- The Rounded Bubblegum Coral is generally considered reef safe.