Brain Coral--Lobophylia

Lobophyllia are a few of several types of brain coral available today.  They get their name because of the brain-like way many specimens of this genus grow.  The coral comes in many color patterns and is an aquarium favorite.  Although many corals are called stony because they have hard skeletons, lobophyllia really live up to their stony name.   Touching them is as if you are touching a rock.  Sometimes the day and night color of a lobo brain is quite different.  A burnt color during the day can turn neon under actinic light or moonlight. 

Great for Beginners and experts alike 

Feeding:  Lobo brains have tiny feeding tentacles that will come out if you drop meaty food on them.  They also come out at night.  Dropping liquid zooplankton in the water at night will provide them with something to catch. 

Lighting:  Lobo Brains are highly adaptive to different light.  If you are using metal halide, just be sure to give them a day or so to acclimate. 

Water Flow:  They only require moderate flow but because they are like rocks, they can handle just about any flow you throw at them. 

Placement:  Anywhere 

Propagation: Use a band saw to cut them apart.  Increasing light and water flow will help them grow faster. 

Aggression: Lobo brains have sweeper tentacles and other corals will need to be kept far enough away to not be affected.  

          Above from left to right: Lobo 1, Lobo 2, Lobo 3, as seen in daylight and actinic light.  All are 3 to 4"