Acanthastrea pachysepta, often sold as the Orange Lobo, is a fleshy, brightly colored LPS coral that’s surprisingly forgiving once you understand its needs. It’s a great choice if you want bold color without SPS-level difficulty.

Placement, Lighting & Flow

Orange Lobos prefer stable, moderate conditions rather than extremes.

• Placement: Low to mid areas of the rockwork or on the sandbed, with space around the tissue to prevent tearing.
• Lighting: Low–moderate PAR (60–120). Too much light causes tissue recession and washed-out color.
• Flow: Gentle, indirect flow. The polyps should sway slightly, not whip or retract.

Tip: If the coral stays tightly retracted during the day, try lowering PAR or redirecting flow.

Feeding, Growth & Long-Term Care

While Orange Lobos can live on light and dissolved nutrients, targeted feeding noticeably boosts growth and color.

• Target feeding: 1–2 times per week with small meaty foods (mysis, finely chopped seafood, quality LPS pellets).
• Timing: Feed after lights dim, when feeder tentacles extend. Use a turkey baster or pipette.
• Parameters: Keep alk 8–9 dKH, calcium 420–450 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, and nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm.
• Spacing: Leave a few inches between the Orange Lobo and neighbors; sweeper tentacles can sting.

Quick rescue move: If the coral starts receding, check for high light, aggressive neighbors, and unstable alkalinity before anything else.

With stable water, gentle flow, and regular feedings, Acanthastrea pachysepta will puff up, show deep orange and contrasting rims, and become a standout centerpiece in your LPS collection.